27-06-YC123

Yesterday was the wedding of Luna and Franco.  What a beautiful ceremony it was!  Luna, of course, looked absolutely radiant, and Franco was surely the most handsome groom I have seen.  They make such a delightful couple, and it was a true honour to be present.  A most solemn and serious ceremony, in full accordance with the Rite, as might be expected.

The only blot was that idiot Amadin standing up and causing a scene when Brother Theodosius, who I must say was a perfect choice, asked if anyone would voice their objections.  If recall correctly, Amadin was, at one point, a suitor of Luna's, though she seems to have fortunately chosen someone more suited.  Of course, he probably thought it was all very amusing, and Franco did seem to take it as a well-intentioned joke.  Amadin is just lucky that Brother Theodosius did as well, or else the ceremony would have been stopped, and it could very well have quickly turned into a funeral.  I suppose one must expect this sort of foolishness from the middle classes.

The reception was delightful.  The happy couple were such an image of love for their first dance, and I am sure they did not let go of one another's hands all night.  And how popular!  It took quite some time to present them with our gifts; a samovar and tea-set from myself, and two bottles of our vodka from the family.  Sasha presented a matryoshka set we had specially commissioned from an artisan in Nakri; the largest made in the image of Luna, then Franco, then down through Luna's children to the tiniest doll, still unpainted and blank.  A promise of the future.  Ishta had made her gift herself, a most fine piece of jewellery.  I swear that Ishta does not fully appreciate the artistic talent she has!  They seemed pleased with the gifts, and Luna's youngest, Stellarisse and Liam, certainly liked the surprise stash of Nakriian sweets hidden inside the samovar.

It was a pleasant night's mingling with the other guests as well.  Aldrith was there, of course, spending much conversation with Aria.  The poor girl seems terrified of him for some reason, and it is not as though I have ever seen her relaxed even when he is not there.  At least she was wearing something other than black for a change.  She rather suited the green of her dress, even if Charles Schmidt disagreed.  Arline had to leave early.  Apparently Aldrith's boy had gotten into a fight.  Like father, like son, I suppose.

I find myself rather fond of Charles.  He amuses me.  I think it is his attitude, though I cannot think of exactly how to describe it.  It is his wit, that is for certain.  Charles is another one of great artistic talent, although he is very much aware of it.  That said, his fashions are famous for a reason, and I am most tempted to take him up on his idea of having him make something especially for me.  I cannot help but wonder what he would create.

It was not just Aldrith who made Aria nervous.  Here in Nakri it is not unusual for someone, usually many people, to get drunk at a wedding reception.  After all, it is a celebration.  Yet that is precisely it - people are happy drunk.  The majority of people who were inebriated last night, and there were very few that I saw, were happy- even Aldrith was happy! - but one in particular was clearly not.  Che Biko is not a man I know well, and I have not the faintest idea of his connection with Aria, but a connection there is.  It seemed decidedly sinister, as though he were keeping an eye on her.  I have no idea what possessed me to walk up to him and tell him he was better than to skulk drunkenly in a corner, but that is what I did do.  I hope somewhere in his head he listens.  Again, I do not know why.

I wish I had been able to take Valerik, but it is probably a little early to do so.  The next wedding, of course, will be Sasha and Ishta, and I fully intend to take him along to that!