RP: Wedding Day

[tt_alicia]

Date: 18. August, 2002
Characters: Alicia Spinnet, Viktor Krum, OPEN TO EVERYBODY (Please add your character's tag as they join)
Setting: Around Settlement 1
Content: TBD
Status: Open: Public

Comments

Morning

[tt_alicia]

-

Alicia

[tt_alicia]

4.06 a.m.
Alicia’s head was full of numbers. 300. 184. 288. She couldn’t sleep, so she had been tapping around her datapad’s calendar function, pulling up each date that had any significance to her.

She was in the bed in what had been her guest bedroom when she had first arrived through the portal – 300 days ago – what was now her mum’s guest bedroom. They were trying to uphold traditions, and one of them was that they couple didn’t spend the night before the wedding in the same house. Sure, they had been living together for a while – 176 days, to be precise – so it was a moot point attempting to give off the impression that they had been chaste, but there was also the whole preparation stage in all of this and two teams of people each preparing one person was just more than what one house could hold at one time.

Unbidden her hand reached out to the other half of the bed, and she sighed when she found what she knew she would find: No Viktor. Viktor was at home, sleeping in their bed, and she was here, and she missed him horribly, which was silly, she knew, because they had spent nights apart before, with her work and his meetings with the Quidditch League. And she would be with him again in… she checked the time on the datapad. 6 hours and 54, no, 53 minutes. That thought alone made her smile as she continued tapping through the calendar. 288 days since she had first met him on that run around the Settlement. 198 days since he first told her he loved her, though she knew he had loved her before that and 19 days since she had last taken her potion. She fell asleep right around the same time she confirmed that it was indeed 184 days since he had proposed to her.

7.37 a.m.
Alicia’s eyes fluttered open, but only for a moment, then they were closed again. Keeping them open was simply too difficult. She could have sworn she had heard the front door close, but that was all she managed before she was once again fast asleep.

8.02 a.m.
It was the dip of the mattress that woke Alicia up, but even before she opened her eyes, she could hear the muffled voices of what sounded like quite a few women somewhere on the other side of the closed door. When she opened her eyes, she saw her mum sitting with a smile that looked both happy and proud and sad at the same time.

“Good morning, sleepy-head,” she said softly and gently brushed the hair out of Alicia’s face.

Alicia wanted to smile back and greet her mum with the perfect question about her well-being and how she had slept, but all she managed was a mumbled grunt and a long, deep yawn.

Her mum simply chuckled, and laid down facing Alicia. “There are…” she appeared to consider something before she continued. “Oh dear, there are I don’t know how many Bulgarian women of all ages in the kitchen and the living room, and they brought breakfast that they’re finishing up now. So you, Miss Spinnet soon-to-be Mrs. Krum, need to get your bum out of bed and get washed up.”

That brought a grin to Alicia’s lips, and she chuckled lazily as she wrapped the blanket tighter around her. She couldn’t wait to marry Viktor, but it was still early and she was so comfortable that it would take more than a house full of Bulgarian women to get her to move right now.

“Ginny and Sam are here too,” her mum continued her coercing. “They…” she waved her hand, searching for a word that was unfamiliar to her. “They made a bathtub appear,” she finally settled on.

“Transfigured,” Alicia filled in for her.

“Transfigured,” Helena said with a nod, “and I brought those bath bombs you like so much from that shop on Union Street.”

“The pink ones with the shimmer?” Alicia perked up.

“The very same.”

A few minutes later, Alicia was submerged in the warm water, with a pink ball dissolving into fizzling bubbles while a soft, fruity aroma filled the room and the water took on a shimmering quality.

Re: Alicia

[tt_ginny]

Alicia's mum was a sweet woman, though she seemed quite confused when she transfigured the bath for Alicia, only remembering after the fact that Ali's mum was a Muggle. Her brother was a minor distraction, being both handsome and intelligent to speak with while they waited for Alicia to finish with her bath. Ginny traded some jokes with the younger Bulgarian girls and blushed when the older "Babas" teased about when Ginny was getting married, then they turned on the heat by deciding they would arrange for the Bulgarian boys to contact her.

It was a welcome relief when Ali's mum appeared to tell her that Ali was out of the tub and ready for company. She escaped the laughter and teasing, slipping into Alicia's room with a full blush reddening her cheeks. "Wow, you and Viktor weren't kidding about the Babas. I think they're trying to fix me up with half the Vulture team out there!" she gasped, sitting on the edge of the bed as she took in her best friend in her wedding dress. "You look amazing, you know. What can I help with?"

Re: Alicia

[tt_alicia]

When the door opened, Alicia turned around to see who it was, still working her earring through her lobe. The sight of Ginny blushing was rare and it made her smile in an attempt to keep from outright laughing. Her eyebrows went up in a ‘see?’ manner, as she nodded her agreement, when finally the earring went through. “Luckily I’ve only had to witness it done,” she smirked, “never had to go through it myself, but they’re determined.” For a brief moment she wondered if she would be where she was right now had she met the Babas before she had met Viktor, rather than the way it had been, where he had been the one to bring her to them.

Combing her fingers through her still loose hair, she sat down next to Ginny. “Technically, I think you’re supposed to be my emotional ballast today,” he chuckled. “You know, keep me from panicking and running away, convince me that I’m doing the right thing…” her voice trailed off as she looked at Ginny and laughed softly. “Which, I’m sorry to say, you don’t get to do.” She had been more nervous about Quidditch matches back in school. This? Marrying Viktor? There wasn’t a shadow of a doubt in her mind that they were doing the right thing. “So… keep me company, make sure that the Babas doesn’t do my hair too ridiculously, make sure that you dance with his best man just to keep up traditions… Oh!” with a wave of her wand, she summoned he small box from the vanity table. “If you could hold Viktor’s ring, that would be wonderful. I think I read somewhere that the safest place would be on your thumb, but that’s completely up to you.”

Procession

[tt_alicia]

Open to everybody

[tt_alicia]

Dressed in her wedding dress, her hair braided with flowers under the red veil, Alicia’s fingers closed around Sam’s as she beamed up at him.

The morning had been hectic, yes, but it had been fun and if anybody had been stressed, they had been good at hiding it. After her bath, Alicia had had a solid breakfast while her mum had brushed and dried her hair, sharing stories from her life with the Bulgarian women. The datapads had come in handy on more than one occasion, though Alicia was immensely grateful for Ginny’s presence and contributions in explaining the things that sometimes got lost in translation.

She had been a little worried about how her mum would take this whole thing, but Helena had proved wonderfully supportive and had partaken in the Babas teasing and pleading for her to stay a child, just like Viktor had told her they would.

Viktor.

Alicia’s smile turned bright and beaming as the procession started down the path. Down the path towards where they would meet up with the group Viktor had spent the morning with.

[tt_viktor]

With the team bunking at his house overnight, Viktor had been up late drinking and singing and telling stories along with the rest of the Vultures. Sasha was particularly happy to have so many people to take care of, flitting around with a big smile refilling drinks and making food for the lot. It wasn't until just after midnight that the little elf insisted the men get rested for the next day.

Viktor woke to the scent of fresh, strong coffee brewing and was grateful that Sasha had reined them in as he heard the groans coming from the living room and spare bedrooms. He showered and dressed in most of his groom attire - his black trousers and shoes and the light short-sleeve shirt that would be under his jacket. Breakfast was a mixture of tired groans and loud laughter, then the older men began arriving telling of the music beginning in the lanes.

Slipping on his formal jacket, Viktor tugged at the collar to straighten it as he glanced in the mirror. It was a new "suit", the Babas had recreated his father's grooms suit for him, right down to the intricate gold embroidery that made up the golden dragon weaving from his right sleeve up to his shoulder and across his back against the light, black material. He felt immense pride, wearing his family crest in his father's footsteps, and he was greeted with loud cheers when he joined his groomsmen in the living room.

With Zograf at his side, Viktor lead the group out onto the lane, starting the first line of the song that the team joined in almost immediately, their deep voices rising above the music as they progressed down the lane to the meeting place. His song faltered only for a half-second when their group finally met up with Alicia's, taking in her beautiful dress and the flowers in her hair. Zograf moved to take Ginny's arm first, and then Viktor took Alicia's, letting the other couple start towards the church in front of them. "You look like angel, my loff," he murmured, giving her hand a light squeeze.

Wedding

[tt_alicia]

Open to everybody

Re: Wedding

[tt_viktor]

They entered the building together, past their friends and family gathered along the stairs, and into the space proper. The benches were full and some were standing along the sides as well. It seemed as if all of Settlement One was trying to fit into this space, but that didn’t bother Viktor, pleased as he was to see so many of his settlement-family present. The Bulgarian minister was singing a hymn as Viktor guided Alicia to the altar. The wedding party followed at a distance and then took their places on either side of the couple.

Kingsley stood to the left of the minister, both with their tablets in hand, he in his wizarding robes and the priest in black and gold vestments. It had been agreed upon beforehand that the minister would lead and Kingsley would repeat the section in English a moment later, giving all gathered the time to understand the ceremony.

The Bulgarian minister motioned for everyone in the crowd to sit, and then offered up a prayer for the couple. There was a brief pause and then he read from the book of Deuteronomy:

“These are the commands, decrees and laws the Lord your God directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess, so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the Lord your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I will give you, and so that you may enjoy long life. Hear, O Israel, and be careful to obey so that it may go well with you that you may increase greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey just as the Lord, the God of your fathers, promised you. Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.”

The group of musicians started into a soft, calming hymn as soon as Kingsley finished repeating the passage in English. Viktor gave Alicia's hand a gentle squeeze, feeling reassured and peaceful as the Christian words reminded him of his youth attending services with his parents. It had been a long time since Viktor had felt these things, reminders and subtle messages of a faith that he had not embraced in a very long time. He was thankful that Alicia had agreed to the traditional service. A minute cough from the Bulgarian Minister drew his attention away from his lovely bride just as the older man began reading the second and last gospel passage of the service.

When it was Kingsley's turn, his deeper voice seemed to resound the words more fully, saying. "My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer. You are the most excellent of men and your lips have been anointed with grace, since God has blessed you forever. Gird your sword upon your side, O mighty one; clothe yourself with splendor and majesty. In your majesty ride forth victoriously in behalf of truth, humility and righteousness; let your right hand display awesome deeds. Let your sharp arrows pierce the hearts of the king’s enemies; let the nations fall beneath your feet. Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy. All your robes are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; from palaces adorned with ivory the music of the strings makes you glad. Daughters of kings are among your honored women; at your right hand is the royal bride in gold of Ophir. Listen, O daughter, consider and give ear: Forget your people and your father’s house. The king is enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord. The Daughter of Tyre will come with a gift, men of wealth will seek your favor. All glorious is the princess within her chamber; her gown is interwoven with gold. In embroidered garments she is led to the king; her virgin companions follow her and are brought to you. They are led in with joy and gladness; they enter the palace of the king. Your sons will take the place of your fathers; you will make them princes throughout the land. I will perpetuate your memory through all generations; therefore the nations will praise you for ever and ever."

Motioning for the assembled crowd to stand once more, the Bulgarian Minister led in singing the Gospel Acclamation of "Alleluia". When it was finished, he motioned once again for everyone to sit. There was an echo in the near-silent space as the assembled community moved almost as one. Reaching out, the Bulgarian Minister enveloped his hands over their joined ones before him, speaking in soft tones about the mystery of Christian marriage, the dignity of wedded love, the grace of the sacrament, and the responsibilities of married people. When he finished, Kingsley took his spot, repeating the words from memory so he wouldn't have to stop and read his tablet.

Taking over to reverse the translations, Kingsley solemnly requested that Viktor and Alicia state their intentions about their freedom of choice, faithfulness to each other, and the acceptance and upbringing of children, after which, the Bulgarian Minister translated to the assembled audience.

Turning to Alicia, taking both her hands in his, Viktor took a deep breath before speaking slowly to get the words right. "Alicia, vhen first ve meet, I know you special. Da time ve spend together, is best time of my life. I dink of vhat future hold for us vith happiness. You are only voman I vant to haff family vith, grow old vith, und spend all my life lovink. Today, I take you as my vife. I vow to loff you und cherish you, to keep you safe und protect you, to share all time, good und bad. I promise alvays I loff you, und hold faith only unto you. I vill alvays be there vhen you need me, und vant be best husband."

Re: Wedding

[tt_alicia]

Alicia knew that she ought to be paying attention to the words both the Bulgarian Minister and Kingsley – in particular – were saying. That she should commit the words to memory or at the very least take them to heart. But she couldn’t. Everything was so overwhelming, from the massive attendance of more people than Alicia could ever have dared hope would be there to celebrate their love and joy, the gentle music and the beautifully delivered prayer in both Bulgarian and English, to Viktor holding her hand and seeing the look in his eyes when he looked at her.

But she tried to pay attention, until Viktor’s gentle squeeze of her hand made her look up at him. It seemed impossible to look away, and Alicia could feel her eyes stinging from the tears in her eyes as she beamed up at him. The Minister’s gentle cough brought their surroundings back to her, and with a smile she allowed Kingsley’s voice to commit at least the beginning of their speech. It wasn’t until she turned to Viktor that the words stood out crystal clear to her, and every single one of his vows was etched deeply into her mind. Gently she brushed her thumb over his knuckles, the stinging tear finally spilling when she felt like she would burst from all the love and warmth she got from.

“I love you,” she mouthed to him when he finished, then cleared her throat and paused for a beat to say her own vows. “Viktor, you didn’t just change my life; you gave me life. I came here to survive, with hopes and dreams for no more than that. Then I met you, and you made me want to live rather than just survive. You made me dream again, and hope for a future with you and the family we will have.” Swallowing down to keep her voice steady she sent him a warm smile. “Today, I take you as my husband. I vow to love and cherish you. To treat you with respect and cherish every moment we have shared and will share for the rest of our lives. I promise to take care of you in good times, and in bad. To support you and guide you, and be the best wife that I possibly can. I love you more than words can say, but I promise you that I will love you forever.”

Reception

[tt_alicia]

Open to everybody

Re: Reception

[tt_adrian]

The wedding ceremony had been beautiful. Adrian hadn't been to one yet in his time on Zealandia, and he was happy to see that with the exception of the Bulgarian traditions, there was something very familiar about all of the tradition behind it. Alicia had looked beautiful, and incredible happy. Her groom - who Adrian had known during the Tournament at Hogwarts but certainly not known well - seemed to be absolutely glowing despite his stoic manner.

If he were being honest with himself - and it might be the reason he now queued up to get himself a drink - it was a bit depressing to be the single bloke at a wedding. When his sister and Will had done it, he'd been the Best Man, running around busy and spending time with his family, so it hadn't bothered him. This time, all the lovely couples and young children, it was a bit... Well, bothersome.

Ordering a scotch and water, he smiled at the bar staff and wondered if Lisa was attending if she might grant him a dance to keep him busy.

Re: Reception

[tt_ginny]

After dancing the first three dances with Zograf, something the younger Bulgarian women assured her was 'tradition' and something she suspected was just teasing and match-making, Ginny made her way over to the bar to get something to drink. She was simply parched from all the singing and dancing going to the church.

Leaning against the bar, Ginny flashed a smile when she saw Adrian, making her way around two other people to come over to his side. "Just water, please," she asked the barman before turning to Adrian. "Wow, you clean up well. Are you having fun?" Ginny asked.

Re: Reception

[tt_lisa]

Lisa had chosen a more conservative look than she normally might, knowing the wedding was going to be more traditional that she was accustomed to. But she'd closed the bar for the day (Paul had grumbled about her having no work ethic, but she rationalized that most of their customers would be drinking for free at the party, anyway), and attended with a fresh smile on her face.

Now settled in at the reception, Lisa had grabbed a plate of delicious, homemade food and a glass of white wine and taken a seat at an open table toward the middle of the room, not wanting to be intrusive. Tucking into her food, she watched the crowds swell and hug and let the languages fly around her like their own sort of magic.

Re: Reception

[tt_dempster]

Dempster wore a suit and knew that he was supposed to keep his eyes on the bride the whole day but hadn't been able to tear his gaze from Lavender since he'd picked her up from her place before the ceremony. They both gotten the day off, as luck would have it, and he'd be working doubles for the coming weekend, but it was worth it. Lavender was easily the most beautiful woman he'd ever known. Sandra had been wise and kind and beautiful, but there was something so transcendent about Lavender's beauty that it struck him and shocked him every time he saw her. Especially today.

Smiling down at her as they queued up for their food and drinks, he said, "Have I mentioned, by the way, how absolutely beautiful you are?" His voice was low, only for her to hear.

[tt_lavender]

Alicia was one of Lavender's Gryffindor contemporaries, so when she had heard about the wedding Lavender had been pleased to find that she was able to attend. Even better, Dempster was able to go, too, which meant a romantic sort of day with the most handsome man she knew. She couldn't think of anything better.

Lavender had dressed for the occasion in a leaf green dress that hugged her curves and somehow made her grey eyes look luminous. She would have had to be oblivious not to notice the way that Dempster kept staring at her today, every glance giving her a quiet thrill. At his comment, she looked up with a sly smile. "Not today," she teased quietly. He meant every compliment, she knew. "Thank you."

[tt_cecilia]

When Cecilia had seen the note on the notice board at the Med Center, where one of the Healers were asking the Herbologists if they would bring back some of the decorative flowers they found, she had found it to be a brilliant idea, and had done so as a present to a couple she didn’t know. Well, she knew of the groom, in that she had heard his name on the Wireless back in the old world.

It wasn’t until a few days ago, however, that she had learned that Jamie knew the groom, or at least claimed to know him, from the time he was spending at The Ark after school, when he had asked her if he could go to this wedding and if he could, what would he be wearing? So, the two of them had agreed to go, and Jamie had approved of the suit Cecilia had found for him, while she herself had settled on an ankle-length blue dress, that seemed stylish enough without being too out of place for an outdoor event such as this.

They had arrived at the reception area before the couple, and had both taken part in the cheering and congratulating of them… and then she had lost sight of Jamie. She wasn’t worried, though. Everybody seemed to be in great spirit and she knew that he would find a way to contact her if he needed her for any reason.

So Cecilia had accepted the request for a dance, and had had fun meeting people she had never seen or heard of before. After a particularly lively dance, she had opted out, and found a seat by one of the tables where she could watch the people while enjoying her glass of chilled white wine.

[tt_sirius]

He'd been on his way to the pub when he'd inadvertently crossed paths with the wedding procession on the way to the chapel. Sirius couldn't say what possessed him to follow, or to stand in the back of the building as the ceremony took place. He could explain how he'd gotten from there to the reception - several of the Bulgarians had insisted that he join them.

Sirius was nursing a scotch when he turned and saw Cecilia in that dress, dancing with another man. He felt his mouth go dry and took another drink. Another fellow beside him struck up a conversation that he tried to follow along with even as he watched Cecilia. When she finally left the dance floor, Sirius had finished his drink and gotten a refill, excusing himself before crossing the floor. Coming to a stop beside her table, Sirius asked. "May I join you?"

Re: Reception

[tt_james]

James was at Lily's side one moment and then swooping around her and stopping in front, facing her, the next. "May I have this dance, Lil?" His look was sheepish, and he'd felt ridiculous all day in his suit, but it had been worth it to see Lil having such a good time and looking so lovely all done up to celebrate.

He wondered, if they ever got to this point, what their day would look like.

Re: Reception

[tt_lily]

Lily grinned at him, "Why yes you may, good sir," she said and offered him her hand. "Have I told you how handsome you look today?"

Weddings had crossed Lily's mind more than once today. She thought of her first one with James, and wondered if they'd ever do it again. She thought of the time she had actually been invited to Petunia's wedding, but opted not to go. She wondered if she'd see her friends marry in this lifetime. Or even her son. She felt robbed in her first life.

"Weddings are so romantic." She randomly said.

Re: Reception

[tt_viktor]

After toasts had been given and more songs sung, after Viktor was sure that Alicia's feet had recovered from the walk to the ceremony, then to the reception, he drew her up from her chair, leading the way onto the dance floor.

The musicians struck a nice, slow song as soon as they saw the happy couple take the floor. Viktor drew Alicia close, stealing a quick kiss as he began moving to the light rhythm. "You tell me ef feet hurt, da?" he whispered, a twinkle in his dark gaze. He was inordinately happy and proud. "Minister Nikolov say you most beautiful bride he marry, but dis I know. I am most lucky man in all of dis vorld, my loff."

Re: Reception

[tt_alicia]

Alicia had kissed more cheeks, given more hugs and shaken more hands than she could remember ever having done, and yet none of them had come off as forced. Everybody seemed to genuinely share in their happiness, and several times she had had to dap away a tear or two when someone – whether friend or stranger – had shared their hopes and wishes for them. She had delighted in the songs from Viktor’s friends and enjoyed the songs her mother and Sam had prepared, all in between cherishing the stolen moments she could with Viktor.

Letting him lead the way to the dance floor, she stepped easily into his hold, humming softly at his gentle kiss. The twinkle in Viktor’s eye had her chuckling. “One of the Babas cast a Cushioning Charm on my shoes, so I feel like I’m walking on pillows,” she whispered back. “But I can always fake sore feet if we need an excuse.” Her cheeks heated up slightly at his compliment, but she didn’t look away. Instead, she moved just a fraction closer, if possible, letting his strong body set the rhythm for them on the dance floor. “You are lucky,” she told him softly. “You married that luckiest woman in this world. Thank you for a wonderful day, Viktor.”

[tt_ginny]

Although she'd spent most of the morning on her feet, Ginny only claimed her seat at the table so she could save one for Remus as she had promised. Slipping her heels off under the table, she leaned back and relaxed, watching the dancers and musicians and picking at the appetizers that took up the middle of the table.

Her mum was somewhere over near the kitchen and the older Bulgarian women, something she would normally be very concerned about but wasn't for the time being. Ginny had agreed to one coffee date with Zograf and one lunch date with Dimitrov, satisfied that she had given the Babas enough of a buffer to leave her alone for the time being.

[tt_remus]

Remus finally was able to break away from the chatter around him and found Ginny's table. "Hello Ginny. You look lovely today," he said, sitting down next to her. "That was a nice wedding."

Remus had dressed up in dress robes, not sure which way the crowd was leaning. Call him a traditionalist. And unlike his normal color of wearing black, he settled for a midnight blue. He hoped he wouldn't stand out too much.

[tt_ginny]

Although the gold, slender dress was very comfortable, it also had a way of clinging slightly to her curves, making Ginny reluctant to overindulge in any of the food. She blushed faintly at Remus' compliment. "Thank you. You look quite sharp yourself."

It was nice to have company, especially Remus', as without it, she feared being dragged out on the dance floor by another guest with roaming hands. With any luck, she might get the nerve to ask Remus for a spin on the dance floor. "It was grand, really grand. Ali's over the moon." She gestured to where Alicia and Vitkor were dancing slowly in the middle of the floor. "She said that gold dragon thing on his uniform is a family crest. It's like she marred a bloody prince."