Elanthian Vogue/Spring 5122

This is a creative work set in the world of Elanthia, attributed to its original author(s). It does not necessarily represent the official lore of GemStone IV.

Title: Elanthian Vogue: Spring 5122

Author:

Editor: Rohese Bayvel-Timbertree

Editor's Thoughts

Weddings

Dear readers, I owe you an apology! It is hard to believe that we have not covered weddings in the four years we have been publishing Elanthian Vogue so we are going to rectify that oversight immediately in this 5122 spring edition.

Weddings can be anything from a short and simple exchange of words with just a few friends to a logistical headache with a formal ceremony, grand reception, and extensive guest list. Whichever the happy couple opt for is, of course, their choice and will no doubt be perfect for them. We thought it would be useful if we spoke to two couples about their experiences; one recently married and the other in the process of making all the necessary arrangements. We hope you find their insights interesting and helpful!

Planning a wedding can be quite daunting, so as well as their suggestions, we've included some of our own as to venues and outfits. There are plenty of options available to suit all customs, tastes, and budgets.

At the beginning of each new year, we try to think of ways to improve this publication, freshen up its content, and expand our readership. Starting in this edition, we thought it would be fun to take a light-hearted look at what is being discussed around town, whether that's in the Town Square or in court circles. Check out the latest exposé, courtesy of the Tiaraed Tattlers, and feel free to share your own juicy tidbits* with us for the next season's edition!

As always, don't forget to send us your comments on any of the articles in this month's publication or suggestions for future editions!

• OOC note: Please be aware that this is not an avenue to share knowledge or secrets about other players. It's a fun interlude to creatively explore gossip about established NPCs across Elanthia and should not be taken to represent official lore.

Editor

Planning the Big Day

You've asked your beloved to marry you and they've said, "Yes!" so now what?

Just remember to keep one very important thing in mind: Try to have fun! This is your wedding after all. Don't get too hung up on the tiny details and focus on what is truly important: celebrating the love the two of you share and getting married, all while surrounded by your friends and family.

First, consider what your priorities are for the big day. Are you restricted by family customs or cultural traditions? Determine your style and theme: think of it in terms of season, venue, and colour. Secondly, make sure you involve each other in the decision making and don't be afraid to ask for help! You'll be surprised how happy people will be to support you. Finally, finding the right officiant to preside over your nuptials can be a deeply personal journey for couples. Whomever you choose will not only dictate the event but also usher you into your union, setting the tone for the rest of your lives together.

Read what two wonderful couples have to say about their wedding plans.

Fate: Akenna and Jaysehn

Akenna and Jaysehn
Copyright held and permission given by Jaysehn
Private commission from https://sayta.artstation.com/

Nestled among the roots of a linden tree, Akenna and Jaysehn's home in Mist Harbor may be small but it is cozy and tastefully decorated with walls of wainscoted maoral and a floor covered by a cream-colored rolton wool carpet. Steam was emanating from a kettle on the small brushed bronze stove in the corner and a couple of teacups had been stacked nearby in readiness.

I was made very welcome and Phalyn seemed especially excited to see me, if his panting and lolling tongue was any indication. I paused to give the renowned fox a quick scratch under the chin and we shared a few conspiratorial whispers. It was duly agreed between us that he would ask the questions while I took notes. He didn't give me long to settle before he launched into the interview by asking the couple how they had first met, which caused them to grin widely at each other and proceed to negotiate on who should go first. Phalyn was clearly in charge as Jaysehn directed his answers to him, allowing me to sip my delicious tea.

"Well...I had just returned from...a lengthy trip to my homeland. I was wandering about and happened upon Mada....oh...no...she hates that. Don't use that word. Traiva.  She...I think possibly recognized me.  But I did her.  While we were talking...along came this beautiful woman...hair like rose gold...lines of power on her face.  And of course...she was Traiva's friend.  Introductions were made...and after being informed of a ball the next night, I insisted she promise me the chance of a dance."

No one could fail to notice the loving gazes exchanged as Jaysehn mouthed the word "Fate," to his wife but quickly checked with her that he had got the facts straight. Akenna was kind in her response reminding him how handsome he was and how she couldn’t possibly have turned him down. I'm not sure Jaysehn is comfortable with compliments, given his blushes, and he quickly brushed it off by commenting to Phalyn that he was wearing his hat at the time; as if that made it inevitable. Taking his role as a professional interviewer with a schedule very seriously, Phalyn coolly deflected the hat reference and opted instead to ask my next question about the wedding plans: who decided what, where and when, as I tried to juggle my notes and teacup. Struggling to pronounce the name of the location, Jaysehn turned to Akenna for help and she duly obliged whilst he nodded along in agreement.

"We knew that we wanted to be wed on Mist Harbor.  I knew of Ceiliur Glade and so we chose the spot we liked best there.  After all the hardship and the battles we saw here and how we defended it, it became a home, to both of us.  We wanted to join together in a place we both called home."

Phalyn seemed to agree with this sentiment as he stood and shook out his bushy tale in quite an exuberant fashion before settling back down to ask another question on my behalf. I cannot deny but this was the one I was most interested in as it was about the wedding outfits. I was amused to see Akenna relax back into her armchair with a knowing smile and allow Jaysehn to take the lead on this one.

"Well....you see....my House's colors are jade and ebony.  And it turns out that Akenna's father is of the House of Nalfein, who share similar colors. The idea sort of wrote itself.  It is why I tried to include the black rose of Nalfein on my clothing where I could."

Jaysehn cast a guilty glance in my direction at this point and Phalyn, being discreet, began to root around the room instead.

"I...may have sought the advice of a certain fashion writer on some of my pieces. Sorry, dear!  I did try."

The statement, better to ask for forgiveness than permission, came to mind at this point. But what Jaysehn didn't know was that I had already mentioned this to Akenna, who laughed with delight at the revelation but also reassured him that I too could be discreet and hadn't given anything away before the big day. My conspiratorial wink prompted Jaysehn to draw out a black leather book and show me what was written on the spine: "Master Fennton's Essential Lexicon for the Common Tongue," before flicking through a few pages and citing the word, "collusion," to Phalyn and "cheater" to Akenna. Akenna quickly jumped to my defence, and that of Daevian, who – it turns out - may also have been approached, despite Jaysehn's initial protestations.

"I didn't ask Daevian!  I tried to do it myself...well...mostly myself.   Oh, I asked him. But I didn't seek any advice.  Not in the end.  Well...no.  That's wrong.  He did suggest the justaucorps.  Okay...you win!"

Akenna's grin said it all and she knew nothing more needed to be said. Instead, she added with amusement that she incorporated all of their colors into her outfit and made the shoes. Jaysehn nodded along eagerly, adding that he had insisted on this and Akenna had kindly made both boots and shoes for him to choose from.

Wedding Outfits

You see Lord Jaysehn Ranshai the Aristocrat.
He appears to be a Human.
He is taller than average.  He appears to be young.  He has calculating steel grey eyes and flawless olive skin.  He has long, flowing mahogany brown hair drawn back from his face and bound in place by a whorled pale jade circlet set with a faenor-set stormy black pearl.   He has subtly aquiline features accenting a well-defined jawline.
He is holding a rime-hued imflass mirror inset with clusters of black onyx rose blossoms in his right hand.
He is wearing a twice-tied pewter dupioni cravat, an oval white jade locket, a wide-collared viridian samite cloak draped to fall over one arm, a tailored dim grey justaucorps contoured with fuligin-piped seams, an ornate imflass and jade signet ring inlaid with an ebony crest, a celadon flyrsilk sash pinned by a cluster of kelyn roses, a pair of soft pewter-hued pants buttoned with olivine faenor, and some fuliginous morduska hide knee-boots buckled with buffed kelyn.

an ornate imflass and jade signet ring inlaid with an ebony crest
Carved in exacting detail, the baroque imflass band of this ring resembles two feathery wings coming together at a stone of pale green jade.  An ebony inlaid crest has been carved into the jade with delicate precision.  It is the crest of the family Ranshai: A raven, perched within a crescent moon, its head tilted as it gazes into the distance.

You see Birch Guardian Akenna Laeraun the Hedgewizard.
She appears to be a Half-Elf.
She is of a slight height and has a spritely, small build.  She appears to be young.  She has sizable dark blue-green eyes and honey-freckled, creamy white skin.  She has long, deep sienna hair styled in a curtain of smoothly coiffed waves beneath a filigreed faenor circlet with twists of delicate vaalin.  She has a cherubic face and petal pink, bow-shaped lips.  The ridges of her long, pointed ears each bear three naturally occurring notches, and a graceful aquamarine pattern climbs the left side of her neck, curls around her cheekbone, and splits into tendrils that encircle her left eye.  She has ebon-marbled jade green lacquer brushed onto her smooth oval-shaped fingernails.
She has rings of cobalt and aquamarine sigils inked on her left palm.
She is wearing a tri-tiered choker of sanity black pearls displaying an onyx rose nestled in the hollow of the throat, a jade-hued dupioni gown split to reveal a cascade of onyx devore rose underskirts with a low-cut sheer black silk chemise with trim sleeves underneath, an eahnor ring cradled in pale ora, and a pair of jade green silk velvet chopines set on textured ebony heels.

Wedding Rings

a pale ora band cradled in eahnor
Fashioned of eahnor and ora, the band is comprised of two bands wedded to become one.  The larger band has slightly higher walls designed to loosely cradle the smaller band, which is free to spin around the other piece without coming loose.  Etched into the pallid ora is an elaborate feather motif, while the pale eahnor displays a tableau of wyrwood leaves.  Glossy black onyx has been inset into the scene and creates the dark body of the feathers, just as brilliant green amber forms the leaves.

an eahnor ring cradled in pale ora
Fashioned of pale ora and eahnor, the ring is comprised of two bands wedded to become one.  The larger band has slightly higher walls designed to loosely cradle the smaller band, which is free to spin around the other piece without coming loose.  Etched into the pale eahnor is a wyrwood leaf motif, while the pallid ora displays a tableau of feathers.  Brilliant green amber has been inset into the scene and creates the body of the leaves, just as onyx forms the dark body of the feathers.

Eager to continue, judging by his bushy tail sweeping back and forth behind him, Phalyn then broached the topic of the wedding location.

"We both decided on Mist Harbor and the Glade... because well, all respect to Mister Greth, but we didn't think it would be a good place to hold our wedding.  The Pebble, that is."

Jaysehn was quick to point out that Greth had been invited though.

"He insisted he had a rush of customers coming...which...I think was a fib."

Even Phalyn was skeptical. He sniffed at the air and moved to the last question asking if they had any advice to share for others planning their own special day soon. Akenna was quick to respond but Jaysehn had some excellent suggestions too.

"Yes! Compromise is key and incorporate things that you both find meaningful.  It is after all, a meaningful day."

"Fortunately...we didn't have to compromise on much. I think...both of us having been wed before...we had realistic expectations.  I will say...I think we both decided to surround ourselves with the people that helped to bring us to that moment.  I think that meant more than all of it.  I know I'll always be grateful to them."

"Oh yes, the people you invite should always be people you'd always want to surround yourself with.  We wanted them to share in our happiness."

With the gaze they were both sharing, Phalyn and I both realised it was time for a discreet departure. I let Phalyn make our excuses but Jaysehn couldn't resist one last quip towards the red and grey fox.

"You need your hair done, stand in Rohese.  It's a mess."

Family: Uniana and Teveriel

Uniana and Teveriel, illustrated by Ashley Lange.

Our second couple are the Lady Uniana Le'Gondren Nalfein and Lord Teveriel Anduin Vaalor. The proposal was talk of the town as the prospective groom went down on one knee during the Silver and Gold Wintertide Celebration last month. Quite the spectacle from all accounts!

I was invited to join them at their chalet, the Amaranth Arcade, residing in the walls of the fortress walls of Ta'Vaalor. Within the brightly appointed salon, they sat together on a crimson velvet divan. The picture of grace and elegance, Uniana kept one ankle tucked behind the other, her fan casually resting in her lap, while Teveriel lounged with an easy, informal air, one booted foot resting on the opposing knee. Set before them on a low gilt-traced console table was a full tea service.

You see Lady Uniana Le'Gondren Nalfein the Socialite.
She appears to be an Elf.
She is shorter than average.  She appears to have come of age.  She has violet-shadowed, pale lilac eyes and ivory skin. She has long, silky black cherry-hued hair voluminous curled around a floral-spun eahnor diadem pierced by sharp lilac-toned amethyst thorns. She has an unlined face and subtly arched eyebrows.  Her soft lips are tinged with understated carmine
She has a thin scar of delicate intertwined thorns on her neck.
She is holding a sophisticated fan of alternating lacquered ebonwood and translucent alexandrite blades.
She is wearing a fuchsia amethyst fireweed pendant, a pale lilac organza gown that deepens to plum around the low split neckline, a band of eahnor-thorned vines engulfing the left ring finger, and some of blackened violet chainsil low chopines raised on squared ebony heels. 

a fuchsia amethyst fireweed pendant
A coiling length of crimson eahnor creates a long lariat ending in a feathery splay of stamen-like spokes.  The latter half of the spokes are captured at the ends in bulbs of almost translucent alexandrite, the eahnor inside creating a suffusion of crimson within the pale violet.  At the very end of the piece, vivid fuchsia amethysts in similar sizes have been carved in tiny blossoms.  Some of the blossoms are fully opened with four curling petals, still others are crafted to look like fresh buds.  Secured along the back of the pendant is a slender, hand blown crystal vial bearing a delicate stopper.

You see Lord Teveriel Anduin Vaalor.
He appears to be an Elf.
He is tall in stature and has a broad-shouldered slender frame.  He appears to be in the spring of life.  He has brooding steel grey eyes and fair skin.  He has mid-back length, straight pale blonde hair with several strands pulled forward to rest against his chest.  He has a chiseled, angular face, a straight nose and well-muscled shoulders and arms.  His steeply arched, dark eyebrows and symmetrical features lend him a dour countenance.
He is wearing a heavy vaalorn pendant featuring a gilt-maned roaring lion, an ankle-length ebon velvet longcoat set with oblique gold buttons from collar to hem, a high-collared niveous satin shirt, a gold-chased black leather belt, some narrow matte gold aqilorn pants alight with metallic channels over the hips, and some knee-cuffed jet black leather boots.

I began by asking them to tell me how they both met. They glanced between each other and shared an expectant, confused look. Uniana offered a response through an abashed grin and I’m sure I caught Teveriel smirking as he added his own perspective.

"I have no idea. It must have been something passing and casual."

"We were in a position in our own individual lives that we probably had to go out of our way to make it not memorable. It was in the spring of 5102 here in Ta'Vaalor."

Uniana's look turned wistful and Teveriel nodded along.

"But we just ended up rotating about each other's social circles.  And I think both of us felt there was always something there, beneath the surface."

Weddings take a lot of planning and, conscious of the society circles these two frequent, I ventured to ask how they were going. Their responses were enthusiastic yet guarded. This event is likely to be something closely watched by those who follow the high society calendar and I'm sure, as readers, you won't be disappointed by the hints given.

"They are proceeding apace.  My cousin has already arrived back in the city to serve as a formal witness to our betrothal, and I understand that his father is soon to follow."

The consummate hostess, Uniana poured tea from an amaranth-painted porcelain teapot, filling the air with the delightful aroma of roses, as she graciously explained why this was so important.

"Before we can proceed with anything formally our families must enter a betrothal agreement per the custom of House Vaalor.  They see marriage as a joining of two households and require members of each to participate.  My cousins Lady Lysistrata Scio and Lord Vyctus Scio will be present.  Once that is settled, I can move forward with pledging myself as citizen."

I noted her smile change slightly at the mention of this last requirement. Could that possibly be disappointment? Teveriel continued, with a gently pointed glance towards his betrothed.

"As tradition dictates, we intend to have a civil ceremony at Wyvern Keep, establishing the legality of our union before our respective families. Afterwards, we will hold a more informal reception for our close friends and family at the Hunter's Respite in the Ravelin."

Ever the aristocrat, Teveriel tilted his head slightly, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips, as he proceeded to extend me an early invitation and aided Uniana in managing the passing out of the teacups and saucers. The tea was delicious! Time to get to the part that I am particularly excited about. Whilst I know wedding outfits are generally a surprise, I was hoping the couple would share a hint of what to expect. With a blithe laugh, Uniana kindly obliged.

"That is rather the easy part. The day after his proposal I could see exactly all of that in my mind.  Especially after we opted to have celebration at the Hunter's Respite.  It all came together so easily.  The setting and the time of year helped to inform all of that.  We are settling on green and gold, a color from each of our noble houses with touches of white to anoint the purity of our love."

Readers may be pleased to know that I fully intend to be at their special day so I can share their outfits and all the special details of the event with you all. Drawing the interview to a close, I asked if they had any advice to share for others planning their own special day too. Teveriel steadied his saucer in one hand, using his other to reach out toward Uniana's small fingers, bracing them gently in his grip, and answered with a self-assured poise.

"First and foremost, this is for us. A luxury I realize not all unions are afforded, but one we intend to capitalize on."

Uniana's entire face brightened as she agreed.

"This day is centered around our bliss.  After all that has transpired, everything that we faced, what could a wedding possibly have in store for us that would remotely be a challenge?"

They shared a knowing look before Teveriel brought Uniana's hand up to his mouth and placed a chaste kiss about the band gracing her left ring finger.

Who says romance is dead!

Where and Wear

We thought it would be helpful to include a few tips and recommendations to start you thinking about where to hold your wedding and what to wear. A lot of this is dependent on family customs and cultural traditions but there are quite a few options available.

Weddings with formal rites such as solemn vows, rituals and decrees will take time to arrange as they are dependent on a number of factors. For example, Faendryl marriages require an appropriate officiant who is conversant with the ceremony. Halfling couples may wish to wait for the Trine to celebrate their union with a handfasting, whilst a sylvan couple may wish to observe traditional Yuriqen marriage customs.

Residents of Wehnimer's Landing or Icemule Trace who are looking for something less formal and inexpensive, may wish to simply rent a party tent for a few hours. The package includes a dance floor and food, allowing you and your guests to celebrate without any of the hassles or time constraints of formal wedding planning. Simply pick up a silver token from Elaraeyn's Boutique or Flashfeet's Fine Fashions.

Those familiar with the freeport of Solhaven will know of its many temples along the Liabo Esplanade and Lornon Avenue. Many of these impressive buildings house chapels and altars where rituals such as weddings can be held. Alternatively, there are the White and Ebon Chapels in the Mist Harbor Great Hall in the Ceiluir Glade, furnished with waiting rooms for both the bride and groom and a ballroom for celebrating afterwards.

Other options include venues such as museums, beaches and gardens, not to mention the many beauty spots to be found outside the towns and cities of Elanthia.

Once you have sorted out where, it is easier to decide what to wear as this usually dictates the style of outfit for both the bride and groom. Boots are not really appropriate for a beach wedding and, likewise, fine silks and chiffon are going to leave you feeling rather cold when there is snow on the ground.

From customised gowns and veils, to trousers and doublets in a variety of fabrics and colors, Lady Bella of Bella's Bridal Boutique in Ta'Illistim has everything a betrothed couple could possibly need. As well as a backroom with a few extra special items.

A visit to Riallia's Bridal Shop in Mist Harbor is also recommended as her catalogue of traditional bridal wear is quite breathtaking and very reasonably priced. And there's plenty for the groom there too. Jeraud's Finery for the Groom has a range of very stylish clothing to choose from.

Elaraeyn's Boutique, in Wehnimer's Landing, has a room dedicated to very pretty bridal wear at affordable prices. Definitely worth a visit when you're ready to start putting your outfit together.

Flowers are also an integral part of most weddings so it's worth noting a few reputable florists. Both Brinn's Blossoms in Wehnimer’s Landing and Beltheine's Flowers in Solhaven have a range of circlets, bouquets, and boutonnieres.

Exposed!

Tis the Season by Two Tiaraed Tattlers

Ball Season that is, and the end of 5121 found enough delights for the eyes and the ears to warm the dense chunks of coal we assume retain the place of a heart. Commencing the first of the major fetes was Silvergate Inn's Winter Gala and Fashion Extravaganza. Making your guests step on stage is a bold move but not as bold as some of the outfits on display though it only allowed for the true stars of the evening to shine even brighter. The following week Winterfest in Icemule closed with their Yule Ball and surprisingly the Frost King Roblar was only in attendance briefly, what kind of trouble called him away? Did his shop run out of hair baubles? We will attempt to follow up with this calamity in the next edition.

Speaking of royalty in attendance, House Illistim hosted their annual Silver and Gold Wintertide Celebration with the Argent Mirror present and saw the evening conclude with fireworks, a proposal and a poisoning. Just another day at court. Their cousins in Ta'Vaalor were treated to Wyvern's Honor annual military ball but the Sovereign Qalinor was notably absent. It is rumored that the King enjoys spending the colder winter weeks in someplace with a much milder climate, perhaps somewhere to the south?

Faendryl Enclave held their Vespertine Ball on the same evening and the attire presented could only be described as breathtaking and avante garde. The food may have stood out for the same reasons, that happens when you offer entremets that used to slither. Still to come later this month is Cairnfang Manor's Snowball in Solhaven. We have no doubt absolutely nothing could hinder a pleasant evening. In Solhaven. Ever.