Gh6st Wedding

[be_seeing_you]

Who: Number 6, Ava Starr & Wedding Guests
What: Number 6 and Ava are getting married!
When: Saturday, August 19, Sunset
Where: Pool Deck
Warnings: Post is open to all but any characters who initiate conflict will be thrown out of the party immediately

Setting The Scene

A package had arrived for Number 6 a few days prior. Inside was a note explaining that an appropriate backdrop for their wedding would appear for the event. The note did not lie. A few hours before the appointed time, a stunning arch of flowers and opalescent crystals appears at the end of a white aisle runner on the pool deck. The various lounges and deck chairs already present have been arranged on either side of the runner, facing the new archway. Aside from that stunning centerpiece, the rest of the decorations appear makeshift upon inspection but are arranged with plenty of care--with soft and gauzy fabrics draped over key tables, such as where the gifts and the wedding cake sit, and improvised cloth flowers for most of the centerpieces and railings. All that’s missing now are the guests.

Ceremony

It begins at sunset, the sky painted with a warm ombre above the pool deck. The railings leading up to the deck are draped with repurposed curtains woven with dozens of flowers sewn from the fabric of Tommy Bahama apparel; they mark the way. As guests choose their seats (on either side, no one is being picky) they will find a cloth flower waiting for them as a party favor.

The whole ceremony is a compromise between traditional and simplistic. Klaus is officiating, but they’ve been asked to keep the ceremony itself short and sweet. Number 6 is standing beside them at the end of the aisle decked out in white himself in the form of a white tuxedo with coat tails (it even has wing holes built-in.) His fingers dance anxiously in front of him like he’s frantically playing an invisible keyboard. And, then, the processional music begins, provided by their very own pianist, Phil.

Number 6 turns his full attention to the center aisle. The first down is Fio, playing the lovely role of flower girl once more, with even more of those specially crafted fabric flowers. Then the best man, Skulduggery, and maid of honor, Valdis. Number 6 barely notices either. He’s waiting for... yes, there’s the music change.

His eyes go wide with awe as he beholds the sight of his gorgeous bride being led down the middle of the aisle on Maximilien’s arm. Not even the sight of that omnic can spoil it for Number 6. He’s never seen anything so stunningly, fabulously, beautiful as Ava looks right now. Even the jittering of his hands has stopped. He can scarcely do more than stare. This is really happening. He almost wants to ask Skulduggery to pinch him.

Ava’s glad for Maximilien’s steadying presence by her side, to hold onto so she doesn’t dissolve away into nervous static in anticipation of her turn down the aisle. But once the music transitions to her song, there’s no hesitation as she gracefully makes her way through the parted crowd of their gathered friends toward the man she’ll so soon be able to call her husband.

Valdis helped style her hair just hours before, with a flower crown, adorned by shimmery feathers that match the patch of blue of the groom’s own wings and the borrowed sapphire necklace to complete the tradition. Her gown is a gauzy chiffon, constructed over the last few months with the help of Okie and Siffleur. The fabric flower bouquet she carries is constructed with the pearls gifted to her by Helena.

She can feel eyes on her; that typically might inspire her to flicker away. But hers remain ahead, looking to her future husband. Their gazes catch, and so does her breath as the moment overwhelms her, and then Ava’s smile brightens-- an expression so rare, so uncomplicated. This is the happiest she’s ever been, taking her place by his side. She gives Maximilien one last squeeze of his arm in appreciation of his support, passes the bouquet off to Valdis, acknowledges Skulduggery with a tiny nod, and then steps in to take Number 6’s hands in her trembling own.

Number 6’s own smile is bright as he takes her by the hand, yet somehow soft. In this light, he almost looks like he’s aged backward, as if the man standing before her is in his twenties now, fresh-faced and free of the weight of worries that have weathered him in the past decade. This is an end and a beginning. A beautiful beginning.

Vows

The vows begin with a traditional exchange, each of them repeating their promise to love and cherish one another through sickness and through health, for richer or for poorer, until their final deaths do they part. Then come the rings, discretely handed over by Skulduggery.

“With this ring, I pledge myself to you,” Number 6 recites, as he slips a stunning opal and diamond ring onto Ava’s finger. She does the same for him, slipping a simple and elegant golden band upon his finger. This one holds a secret, but he won’t discover it until later.

With the official vows and rings exchanged, there are only personal vows left to give. Number 6 slips a small sheet of paper out of his breast pocket, but he has read and re-read the words so many times, he hardly needs to glance at it. In front of the whole room, he declares his unending love for her and promises to be her first and best supporter, to be the one that lifts her up, always, to help her see herself as the shining light that she is. Theirs will be a partnership built on mutual respect and unending love. He also promises to withhold no part of himself from her, that she will know him more fully than any other in the world. “I put my heart in your hands, forever more, for no one else in all the world has made me believe in a future like you have. No matter what that future holds, these will be the most rewarding days of my life, because I will share them with you.” He starts to lean in like he means to kiss her but has to stop himself. Not yet. Not quite time.

Once it’s Ava’s turn to share her vows, she freezes up. It’s not that she can’t remember. She’s practiced the words over and over, committing them to heart. But she gives Number 6 a quietly worried look that he luckily recognizes, and as she steps in even closer he brings up a wing to shield them from view and save her from embarrassment. It’s not how it was planned, but Ava draws him down toward her, to lovingly whisper the vows into his ear. Promises of devotion and loyalty, of unconditional trust that no spy should ever have in another. She looks forward to cherishing each day that they’ll have together. To strive for a shared future no matter what horrors they face, that waking up next to him will always make it worth it. “I love you” she finishes and allows him to wipe the stray tear from her cheek, laughing lightly in relief.

“I liked it better this way,” Number 6 whispers back, still cupping her face with his hand. “Words only for me to know and cherish.” He cannot resist any longer. Vaguely, he has the sense that Klaus may have declared them husband and wife, and that they now may kiss. But he’s already leaning in, behind the shield of his wing, to claim his very first kiss with his new wife.

Reception

They are introduced to the room now as Mr. and Mrs. Peter and Ava Starr. Since the reception is happening right here on the pool deck, they don’t have much in the way of formalities. The wedding party simply walks back down the aisle and then disperses, as some of them set to the task of clearing the chairs. The newly wedded couple makes their first stop the cake table.

Grinning like school children, the bride and groom cut the first slice of cake and feed each other a bite before the rest is served up. After that is their first dance to At Last. The two of them sway to the ballad, lost in each other’s loving gazes as if all the world has melted away and only the two of them exist in this moment.

Once the first dance finishes, Sharky takes over the party as DJ to provide a mixture of upbeat and romantic dance hits for all to enjoy. Ava takes turns dancing with each of the requesting guests, as does Number 6, although he is not likely to be in nearly as high demand for partners. As it should be, for who would want to miss their chance to dance with the loveliest woman aboard this ship (in his shamelessly biased opinion?)

There's time for speeches, planned and impromptu. The food spread was prepared by Darcy, and though there are a few bottles of champagne, the drinking isn't overly in abundance.

Bride and groom stick around for long enough to mingle, but eventually Mr. and Mrs. Starr sneak away from the crowd for their own private after-party.

Comments

RECEPTION MINGLE

[be_seeing_you]

Post your starters here for mingling at the reception. Treat this like free-for-all a mingle log. Just remember party-crashers who look like they are here to start trouble will be forcibly removed from the pool deck. Some of the wedding party standing guard are really hoping you'll try it, and you wouldn't want to give them the satisfaction, would you?

[goodweather]

i. around

Phil steps down as Sharky takes over; not that he isn’t capable of playing for a party crowd, far from it. But a party DJ is a job for one, and it’s probably better that he’s free to roam once the reception is in full swing.

He’s handsomely dressed for the occasion. He mingles pleasantly, catching up and making conversation. People will note several things: first, that his right eye is still cloudy; second, that there’s an odd orange light cast on him from nowhere that throws him an extra shadow and dogs his steps with a cool spring chill; third, that he’s wearing earmuffs.

Once in a while, he rolls his head and brings up a hand like he’s got one mean crick in the neck.

ii. calgona

Sometimes it’s just a bit too much.

Here and there he disappears from the party, retreating nearby to the empty spa just to take a moment for himself. Calm down. Recompose. He slouches into a chair, drink left besides, and just… sits, fidgeting with his wedding band.

God, it is so nice to be able to enjoy silence.

i

[businessorlibation]

Game recognizes game, and the other new member of the ship's growing Spring Court recognizes the marks the season has left on Phil. Approacheth one Johnny Summer, with a subtle not-quite-bow. More like a deep polite nod, but like. Not the macho upnod type of nod. More formal than that, somehow.

i.

[decohere]

She approaches Phil with the intention of thanking him again for the beautiful music, when she catches the movement of his head, wondering if he pulled something. "You okay?"

ii.

[millay]

Maeve spots Phil as he leaves one time, excusing herself from the room to follow after him. She tries not to be terribly obvious, giving him a moment before she sticks her head in. "If you'd like to be alone, I'll go, but I just wanted to check in and make sure you're doing okay." This all said as she goes further inside.

i.

[mistertwister]

A cloud drifts Phil's way not too long into the night, trying to stop to talk without interrupting anything, be it other conversations or walking paths. His own cool chill is met with the warmth of summer sun and nostalgia as a voice speaks up.

"You're Phil, right? I'm Okie. One of Darcy's friends." He offers his hand. "Nice to meetcha."

[ablativeholopleather]

1. Other People's Traditions
Wayne knows what weddings are, more or less. The ceremony of it makes sense to him. Wanting others in attendance does too. Being invited...less sense. He and Ava are friends, he appreciates being invited of course, but he wasn't sure what to bring, if anything. What is an appropriate wedding gift? Nothing that he has or can offer, that much is certain. So he offers the only thing he can: his presence, in the suit that he'd worn to the last big party, with his hands tucked tight into his pockets. He watches from a corner with his hands in his pockets, watching with a dull expression that's fairly typical of him when he's left to his own devices. It's nice to see Ava looking happy at least. He wouldn't dull her good mood with his lack thereof.

2. Liquor Patrol
Not wanting to come alone, Wayne had waffled for a while before checking to see who else might be attending that he was on good terms with. He would be keeping an eye out, and making sure that anyone that wasn't supposed to be imbibing kept to that promise, generally by coming to offer something else instead. There's sparkling juice around here somewhere, he needs to try that...

Find him keeping to himself in a corner, or else near the food. He's learning that Jordan Almonds are pretty great.

1.

[theweakhavepurpose]

No hiding in corners allowed.

Pratt saunters over towards where Wayne is, handing him a martini glass with mashed potatoes and all the fixins and a tiny spoon. "Have a snack bro. That's the best part of weddings: food and cake."

2

[ss_buttcrack]

Crichton wasn't entirely sure if he'd come to this event himself until Wayne expressed an interest. He knows Klaus is officiating and is close with the bride and groom, but Crichton hasn't spoken with the couple much himself. So, it feels like being twice removed. He came anyway because it feels right to show support for the power of love around here regardless of how his own crap is going.

He's especially glad to have Wayne by his side when he glances over at the bar one too many times. He knew this was going to be tough and stir up a lot of emotions, but he maybe didn't realize how much.

Still, rather than ask for validation for himself, he decides to check in with Wayne instead. "How are you doing, man? We don't have to stay the whole night, you know."

Open

[redlightgreenlight]

Valdis wore a simple dress for the ceremony, holding Ava's bouquet for the vows and ensuring everything runs as smoothly as possible. It was lovely. More so than what she has seen in awhile. Valdis can be found flitting around making sure everyone is having fun and has what they need so Ava and Peter don't need to worry about anything but each other. She'll hand out cake, make sure people have drinks, keep Sharky hydrated so he can DJ without pausing. She might be willing to pause for a dance or a chat, but otherwise she's trying to keep busy and not think too much.

Re: Open

[decohere]

"The cake is excellent, isn't it?" Ava sneaks back over after a dance to check in on Valdis, can tell she's keeping quite busy with all these little tasks. Ava hadn't realized that she was putting so much responsibility on her with the maid of honor title... she wants to make sure she takes a little moment to have fun too.

[maximumcake]

Once the cake has been passed out to everyone, and he's properly stored away the top of it in a box set aside on the gift table for the bride and groom, his first stop is to come see Valdis.

"You did a great job as maid of honor," he compliments, reaching hand out to her. He's donned a suit in much the same color as her dress, thinking it would be sweet if they match. His tie is the same color as Ylva's dress, as well. "Are you having a good time?"

[light_mischief]

[Skulduggery briefly disappears after the ceremony to get his gifts, which he leaves on the appropriate table. after that's taken care of, he spends most of his time rotating around the pool deck, picking up unattended champagne flutes and depositing them on other tables simply to look like he's drinking. it's more fun that way!

he's also keeping an eye out for anyone who might start a fight over the Captain's attendance; not for the Captain's benefit, but for the happy couple's sake. his first goal will be to defuse with obnoxious but polite conversation -- the second goal will be to throw them overboard. don't worry, he'll catch them, jeeze!!!

but as it's unlikely that anyone will start anything at the reception, it's more likely that Skulduggery will simply appear next to people with a glass in hand and ask:]

Lovely ceremony, wasn't it? Especially with such a competent best man. [:)]

[makesomedeals]

Impeccable style as always.

[A sigh as he looks around the room.]

You know, I genuinely don't think anyone is going to start fighting. Such a shame, I'd looked forward to quelling any protests.

[Yeah yeah joy to the happy couple or whatever but what about Maximilien???]

[decohere]

Wouldn't know, could hardly keep my eyes off the exquisite groom. He really stole the show for me.

Ari Tayrey - OTA

[astrogator]

1. Cultural Exchange

[Ari's in her formal uniform, tunic and long skirt. Unusually for her, however, she's accessorizing, with a little yellow scarf, blue ribbons in her hair, and assorted jewelry. She's armed, but Ari's always armed; her intentions are nothing but peaceable. This is the third wedding she has attended, and they've all been very different. Ava had assured her that she was welcome, so she attending, sitting towards the back, and watching with fascination. Klaus gets a reassuring smile from her, because she knows how hard he's worked on his part.

Afterwards, there are things she won't say. Ari might think lifetime contracts are a bad idea, that contract while you're imprisoned might be a worse one, and that inviting the person responsible for it all is a very questionable decision. But she can ignore all that now, because she sees how happy the two of them are, as individuals, and she won't do anything to dampen that. The evening is about them, not Ari and her opinions. So the comments she has for her neighbours are milder.]

That was an interesting ceremony. They both looked so happy!

2. Champagne Merriment

[Although she might never be fully relaxed at a gathering of this size, Ari's not on duty tonight. No patrol, no security responsibilities. She found the champagne, and she's indulging. That some of her friends are abstaining means that she drinks less often than she used to, but she may be making up for it tonight.

She doesn't dance, but she's certainly tapping her foot, with a smile on her face for anyone friendly who might approach.]

[saltwaterlungs]

I) Harder days coming, maybe

It takes a couple of prayers to St Laurence and a bit of assistance from Max in parts, but Darcy successfully handles the wedding catering. It’s fairly simple; braised beef with a pleasant sauce and roasted vegetables, or a lot of roasted vegetables and a sheepish look if you’re vegetarian. Sorry, she’s French, you’re lucky it’s not tripe. The Captain extremely begrudgingly gets a little pudding she made in advance because she presumes he won’t want real adult people food. There’s a couple of other offerings for lighter fare- some dips and crackers, some charcuterie- point is, nobody’s going hungry, even working within the limits of the surprise groceries that appeared in the pantry the morning of. It’s a special occasion, but everyone is affected if she uses too many of their pantry supplies, so nothing too extravagant.
After the food’s handled, she slips away to get changed into her suit- worn with a button-up and a tie, because this is a Fancy event. Find her hanging around near her friends or Helena, or just sort of lurking near the food, trying to gauge people’s reactions, whether they like it or not.

II) I don’t mind

Parties are exhausting but weddings are worse, because leaving them is always this big thing in a way leaving other parties isn’t. She’s happy for Peter and Ava, honestly, and it’s not like she can even claim her own romantic woes for discomfort anymore. Things with Helena are good. Purely good, not even complicated. It’s just kind of uncomfortable being out there, like wearing shoes just a little too small.
Point is, catch her trying to sneak a glass of champagne as the night wears on, or drag her out dancing if you dare.

Cuttlefish [OTA]

[moonlesstides]

Grace isn't certain what to do at the reception to a wedding, another of those life firsts for her that she's only observed from a distance. This party is not like the rural ones from her village, not that she was invited to those either, and recent events have her shy. The only people she feels like she's comfortable around are the bride, the groom, and some of the gentlemen, and, well...

...You know that little voice in your head that tells you not to bother people? That voice is currently behind the wheel.

And yet she's not leaving.

Catch Grace hovering nervously near the food, or if you're someone she sort-of-knows, or visually odd, she may be failing to covertly stare at you.

No, No Dancing Today [OTA]

[crushed_pearls]

The dancing mood just isn't on Erin, not unless one of her girls brings their A-Game to talk her into it, but she's here at the reception being sociable. At some point she does need to bother the bride and groom, but just being around people and being here is doing wonders for her spirit.

She's trying not to devastate the sweets, and in this endeavor Erin is damned to fail. Come bother her if you like.

OTA

[littlefairytale]

Ruby's mostly doing what she always tends to do at parties: wallflower. She might break off to the dance floor on occasion if given reason, but for the most part she's hanging around the edges, eating food and watching other people dance. (It may be at least a little because she can't help but feel awkward that she still hasn't held a proper conversation with the woman her father figure just married, a situation that just gets more awkward the longer it goes on and is really her own fault...)

But she still seems to be having fun. She's re-used her prom dress, as it's frankly the nicest dress she owns, and even though she may not dance much she can still be seen swaying and swirling the skirt as she picks away at her food and people watches.

[takethatnature]

Wilson doesn't know either the bride or the groom very well, and he's not fond of parties or formal occasions, but the food looks irresistible and maybe if he puts on a Tommy Bahama blazer over his usual outfit he can slip in and grab some cake. Hopefully if he doesn't stick out no one will notice that he wasn't invited and didn't bring a gift.

Which would, of course, make this the perfect moment for someone to approach him and make conversation. He won't actively try to abscond with his plate, promise.

[sabigoe]

[ Just about anyone that makes eye contact with Fio will be met with a brilliant, cheerful smile. She's in her long black dress with the fake wings on the back, the same one that she wore during the very first wedding held on the ship. She can be found helping herself to some food and cake, being extra cautious about spilling crumbs or any liquids all over herself. Though she's finished her task walking down the aisle as a flower, she still helps around, making sure to help set aside any dirty stray dishes and glasses for easy clean up later. The music does get a little loud for her liking which is typically the case for most parties, especially the more upbeat tunes, but she doesn't complain.

She can later be found watching fondly as the bride and groom take the dance floor, thinking about how the newly wedded happy couple is like some of the old picture books that she used to read with their happily ever after endings. Unlike some of the weddings she sees in her nightmares (or the unhappy nobility in her village...) It's a truly happy celebration. ]

What a beautiful wedding, huh? [ She asks anyone nearby. ] I'm glad to be a part of this one too!

ota.

[decrypter]

Helena's practically on air at the event, fluttering from place to place, having devoted herself to helping with Ava before the ceremony, and now basking in the atmosphere. She's full of joy for her friends - having inwardly said a quiet prayer for their enduring happiness when it was over, tearing up a little but cheering along with the rest.

In contrast to her exuberance at Johnny's wedding, when people were still so new and there wasn't so much weighing on her mind, there is a degree of moderation. Still, she's up for dancing with just about anyone, the food is splendid enough to make snacking a necessity, and sometimes she just sits off to the side, basking in the warmth.

Nothing can touch this specific day. Nothing at all.

OTA

[teethoftherisk]

Siffleur has managed to work a little magic and he's got his hands on a slice of each flavour, leaning against each other on the plate. Now he just needs to find somewhere to sit (or, more specifically, find where Jack's grabbed a seat).

He's also got one of the spare bottles of champagne under his arm, also meant for Jack who is still constantly thwarted by Friday in his quest for self-service. But there's nothing stopping anyone else from stopping him before he grabs a chair.

[spiritcarer]

[A wedding! What a fantastic occasion. Stella wouldn't dream of causing trouble, but that doesn't mean she's not going to be party-crashing just a little bit.

Who's this girl with a bowtie and laaarge hat? Who can say, but she brought food, and she's weaving into the crowd to mingle like she's always been here.]

Hi! Hey, how's it going? Great reception so far, right?