Transportation of Guests and the descriptions of Sha`shir and the VenueTransportation is provided to any who desired to come to the joining of Viktor and Angst. Ships are supplied and used to ferry those who cannot tolerate portals to the docks of Sha’shir. Each guest or group is provided with a cabin for their comfort during the voyage... Those who wished quicker travel are granted the chance to step through direct portals on the date of the festivities. To allow breaks for the mages opening them, they begin appearing in town outside of the Body Arts and begin at two pm and then every half hour until thirty minutes before the beginning of the ceremony.
Either by portal or by sea, the city is bustling with activity and decorated for the event. The paths that lead to the couple’s villa are lined with crimson and black petals that are highlighted by clusters of beautiful glass vases of varying sizes. The three larger vases, filled with water, are decorated with crimson petals and a silvery wire that glimmers within the water from the soft light offered by the candles that float atop the rippling surface. The smaller of the glasses house smaller candles, and each cluster can be found upon a black platter that was raised upon a single pillar with the crests of the bride and groom engraved within the stone. Between the beautiful pillar decor that gave off a romantic scent are braziers that offer even more light that can be seen even from the port. Within these silvery braziers are four blackened skulls sitting atop a bed of coal.
Coaches are supplied to the guests to get to the villa. Uniquely prepared, they are large carriages carved from the finest woods with ornate carvings of skulls and draconic gargoyles. The wood is stained with a rich dark varnish with silvery inlay. The seats within are plush for the comfort of the guests and covered in rich crimson velvet that matches the silken drapes at the windows, and the coach is lit by two lanterns that dangle from skeletal hands on either side of the driver. The driver does not speak, nor do the footmen that assist the guests. The drivers are draped black hooded robes, and it is skeletal hands that grip the reins as if Death, himself, were bringing the guests to this unholy union. The horses do not make the usual sounds that one would expect from them, instead, the majestic white creatures remain silent save the rhythmic clip clopping of hooves to stone or earth. Each creature is decorated with black leather tack, highlighted and connected with silvery rings and skulls. Upon their backs rest beautiful crimson silk blankets that are tattered and frayed at the ends. The skeletal heads of the otherwise beautiful beasts are fitted with crimson balls of glass that cast an eerie glow upon the snowy beasts of burden.
The villa settled within an oasis is easy to spot within the backdrop of the desert landscape. The buildings are large and of carved stone that are reminiscent of Arabian architecture. Along the path to the villa, guests can see the various orchards, vineyards, patches, and fields of fruits that are used to make the Shadow Vine wines. Nestled throughout are smaller buildings and bungalows that a few favored guests and the wedding party were allowed for privacy. Each bungalow is decorated with garland of crimson and black roses laced with silvery vines and dangling crystals that seem to cast a red glow along the threshold of each building.
As the carriage comes to a stop before the villa, guests are greeted with the sight of two figures that assist them from the carriage. Each dressed in matching uniforms crafted from the finest velvets, silks, and polished leather that fit the color scheme of black, red, and silver. The masked figures, although silent, gesture for the guests to follow them before guiding them down the path to the main house. The path is lined similarly to those in the city proper, with the exception of open ebony lanterns that have a riot of dark red flowers and foliage spilling from the open doors. Nestled within the center of the lantern is a single fae, pixie, or nixie swinging from a vine swing that gives off a soft glow to accentuate the romantic candles they were partnered with.
The guests are guided through the main house corridors and into the oasis garden, shrine, and the event area that was carved out of the side of the hill the house was situated on and within. The vaulted corridors are decorated with vines along the arches and walls that are laced with jasmine and a variety of other flowers that give off a lovely floral scent and lit with lovely crystal spheres with candles housed within. Once outside, guests are graced with the lovely backdrop of the city and fields below before guided along the oases garden paths to the shrine. The path leading to the shrine is graced with ornately carved arbors covered in vines similar to those that were in the house mixed with red climbing roses. Along the path are rows of chairs for the guests to sit, each carved chair was simple in design, but housed soft cushions for the comfort of the guests. Red petals line the edges of the path along with simple lanterns that cause the silver silk bows upon the dark stained chairs to glimmer in the soft light. Closer to the altar, the foliage dangles and is drawn back and tied with a silvery ribbon like a living curtain. Upon the dais and the altar, are lit candles in various shapes and sizes mixed with the same beautiful garland that had been seen upon other buildings and stalls within town. Along the edge of the dais candles stand proudly lit upon thin pillars of stone that seem to have been carved from the same marble and stone the shrine had.
After the ceremony the guests are guided through the gardens to the reception area. Hanging from the cut stone is a lovely woven canopy of red wood and vines over the polished wood dance floor. The canopy is decorated not with floral vines, but red grapes for anyone to partake of with just a pluck. Dangling from the vines are crystal spheres that house the romantic blend candles that offer their sweet scent to mingle with that of the crisp water and desert flora. Down from the dance floor is the open cave-like area. Long, ornately carved tables grace this area for the guests. The wood is polished to a shine, and each table decorated with centerpieces of elaborate rose arrangements settled within skulls. Each setting is decorated with lovely red and black china resting upon a silvery circular web. Upon the plates guests will find a red and a black rose with a candy skull sitting atop. To the left of the plate setting is the silverware tied into a six-point star with crimson ribbon, to the right is a crimson napkin folded into the shape of a rose, and above the setting are the crystalline glasses to be filled by the guest’s drinks of choice. Nestled within a pillared nook, the bride and groom’s table is set up and decorated much the same as the long tables with the exception of a lovely centerpiece of black branches that houses red blooms and decorated sparkling diamond links set in silver and candles situated in the crystalline spheres, and a set of specially crafted flutes of fine silver dragons with exceptional rubies for eyes and crimson crystal flutes to drink from. When sat next to each other, the dragons form the shape of a heart. Two thrones are set behind the happy couple’s table, each different from the other, but both ornately carved, polished and upholstered with the finest black velvet and situated so they can watch and speak with their guests with ease. Below the raised dais with the couple’s table are the round tables decorated for the wedding party on either side of a crimson carpet path for guests to come to greet their hosts.
Throughout the reception area are beautiful silver chandeliers hanging from the stone ceiling to light the area. Each chandelier is decorated with strings of red crystal woven through the arms of the chandeliers with a single blood drop rube at the end that reflects the light of the candles. Along the walls are decorated tables with a variety of foods for guests to choose from should they find themselves famished, including an expansive dessert table that houses the beautifully detailed wedding cake as the centerpiece. Walking about, the staff offers a wide variety of Shadow Vine wines and spirits, appetizers, and clearing away empty glasses and plates. As always, throughout the gardens, guests can find comfortable little nooks tucked away for moments of privacy away from the festivities.
Images:Carriage and roadsStairs, Walkway and ShrineThe Reception
Angst, Anisa|VRK|, Latanya|STB|, Kacela, Inara{Chris}, Taini, Nixxle, Lilly{FRST}, Jilaiya, Jace, Kai, Tirnel, Esme{DVK}, Samina, Samiya{Mal}, Leila, Talen.