The New Zodiac Braves

* Safian and Cassandra nod*

Taiyo: "That sounds nice."

*Aroma brightens once more.*

<That's good to hear.>

*The rabble of the crowd outside dies down as the music changes.*

<We should get out to the foyer, quickly.>

E"Why? What's happening? I'm confused."

Taiyo: "We didn't really see much of the castle."

"The music has changed to a wedding march, so the precession should be coming," Noct said.

*The foyer is packed as people watch Ovelia & Delita each ascend one of the staircases. At the top is a Celebrant.*

<Noble people of Ivalice, we gather here today to bear witness before Saint Ajora Glabados as Princess Ovelia Atkasha, henceforth Queen Ovelia Heiral, and Count Delita Heiral, henceforth King Delita Heiral, are joined together in Holy Matrimony. The rings they exchange, symbols of their everlasting love. May they long rule over the Kingdom of Ivalice with valor, wisdom, & serenity.>

*Once they reach the top of the stairs, they exchange rings, & kiss. The crowd begins a reserved clapping, except Euryale, who pumps a fist in the air.*

E"WOO--hoo?"

*She puts her arm down & stares awkwardly at the floor as several people glare at her. When they turn back, Lilith pats her on the shoulder.*

Taiyo watches only vaguely recognizing the former princess.

*Safian and Cassandra clap*

Everyone claps, though Noct and Zac end theirs early. Noct because she didn't care enough to continue, Zac because this whole situation still left him uneasy.

Delita<As your newly-appointed King, I intend to bring some long-overdue changes to Ivalice. For starters, the Lion War...is officially over. I've been disarming both Lions' Dens leading up to this wedding, & I expect that we should hear no more petty squabbling over this country's leadership.>

*Now comes a more uproarious clapping & cheering. Euryale starts doing the opera clap, but gets frustrated that everyone is always doing the opposite of what she is, & pouts.*

L"(I have to say, I've heard better orators.)"

"To his credit, you don't need skill when what you have to say is, 'I've ended the war ravaging our country'..." Zac replied.

Mortal giggled at Euryale's reactions, "Having trouble? Just wait a second and do what everyone else does. That's what I do."

*Safian and Cassandra loudly clap along with everyone else*

Taiyo still doesn't clap.

*At this point, some of the assembled noblewomen begin a minuet, which starts to spread through the crowd. The dudes either stand there awkwardly, or break off for the dining room. Eventually, drunken singing can be heard from in there.*

*Safian and Cassabdra head for the dining hall*

Taiyo awkwardly stares at her feet, not moving.

===================================

Azuma: "I am enlightened."

Mimiru: "Liar."

Azuma: "We must make haste to the castle. I must ask Aroma something I'd normally not know anything about."

Mimiru: "What the hell are you talking about?"

Azuma: "I'll explain on the way. Well, I won't, but we're still going."

Azuma takes Mimiru's hand and hauls her out of the tavern and towards the castle.

Noct grabs Sab and pulls her to the dancefloor and they begin to dance away, with Sab about a half step behind Noct.

Aroma<What's wrong, Sweetie? Didn't you tell me that you've basically been a dancer your whole life?>

*Euryale takes a few steps forward, then slinks back. She turns & hurries off into the dining hall as well. Heads turn as she goes.*

<...Can't believe someone came with...that....>

<I heard it was that Talea girl.>

<She brought another woman? What a disgrace.>
====================================
*The table is now stocked with various platters of serving-sized dishes, including; slices of meat, miniature sandwiches, fruits, & sweets.*
====================================
*Unlike before, there are now dozens of people in the courtyard, the dance from inside spilling out & rippling through the crowd.*

Taiyo: "Well, yeah, but I've never danced WITH someone."

===================================

Mimiru: "What a stupid idea it was to come here."

Azuma: "Not once did I say it wasn't. But it certainly won't be the stupidest part. That comes after we get indoors."

The two begin making their way through the crowd.

Mortal walked up to whoever called her a disgrace and said, "Hey, what do you mean 'disgrace'?"

Zac looked over at his step sister making a scene and wondered if he should step in or not. Eventually he settled on yes and took a step forward, "Hey, Mortal, why don't we go find Euryale. She seemed to head off to the dining hall."

"Hold on, someone's being rude!"

Aroma<I wouldn't mind just watching you for a little while. I can cut in when you're ready.>

*Aroma smiles at her. The woman, a blond with curly hair & a white dress with pink frills, was about to slink away, but was emboldened by Zac stepping in. She stands with a brunette in a similar, purple-&-white dress, as they glare at Mortal.*

<You heard me. What do you think you're playing at? A commoner is bad enough, but a common wench?>

<And we know you're not "here as friends." If you're going to...rub up on another woman like some kind of animal, you could at least make sure she's of clean birth.>

*Azuma & Mimiru should be able to see these scenes from the doorway.*

Now Zac was the one being offended, "Hey, my sister can fall in love with whoever she wishes to, and is not beholden to your approval or the approval of anyone else but herself and her lover."

"Yeah!"

Taiyo looks around nervously at the crowd of people in the room.

Taiyo: "Well, um...uh...okay."

Taiyo steps out onto the dance floor, facing Aroma. Jittery, she starts off slow taking a few steps before moving her hips, slowly at first gradually picking up the pace before she begins moving her arms, holding a hand out to Aroma.

Azuma: "I feel sick just being here. Reeks of entitlement."

The two make their way towards Aroma and Taiyo.

*Aroma grabs Taiyo's hand & steps towards her.*

Aroma<Don't mind if I take this dance?>

*People kind of grimace & move out of the way as Azuma & Mimiru head past. Hearing Mortal getting into a fight prompts Euryale to return from the dining hall.*

E"What's wrong?"

*The blond turns. Lilith steps forward, seeing where this is going, holding out a hand to Mortal, & another to the noblewomen.*

<You're what's wrong, Peasant.>

L"Alright, I didn't want to say anything before, but I'm authorized to act as a guard. I think the pair of you should back off, before this gets ugli-er."

*Lilith turns so that they can see her sword.*

Mortal moves forward to punch a bitch in the face, but Zac steps between the two as well, and stops that from happening.