On This Day, We Are As One [Austria/Hungary]

[reticence]

08 June 1867
Austro-Hungarian Compromise

Austria was tired.

Both the man and the nation had fought and endured almost without break for years... for almost as long as he could remember, it seemed. Even the piano had become untouched for weeks. His fingers ached for it. Fitting, that - when his finger still sometimes ached for the ring that had been stripped from it years ago. He wondered if the weight of gold that would be placed upon it in mere hours would ache as well, or finally quell that loss.

The man ignored the movement behind him - men and women fluttering about to make the final preparations for the ceremony (not the coronation, no, that had been done in the morning - this was the important ceremony that would bind the two nations together more deeply than any crown or speech). There was a rough hand on his shoulder asking him to hold still as if he were doing anything else than standing still and gazing into his weary face reflected by the mirror as powder was pressed onto his face to no doubt try to hide the darkness below his eyes. He ignored this as well, despite the threat his eyes may water from the intrusion and the work would have to be done again. No - all he could notice or see were sharp amethyst eyes gazing back at him from pale, newly powdered skin. It wasn't his own eyes he watched, but the dulling shades of memories - the nervous smiles of the two who clasped their hands loosely as the words of union were spoken before them.

While today's ceremony was small, perhaps intimate, the ceremony from years ago had been secluded in comparison. The situation was unique - of course as men Spanien and he could not become married in the eyes of the church, but as nations they required this union for the two to be bound together so fully. Quickly passing were the days where the expected consummation of a union would even be carried out by more uncouth nations directly on a battlefield. Spanien wasn't young, but there was a youthful glint in his eyes, and oh, was he beautiful. Austria had thought that perhaps he could grow to love such a man. And he had.

"--ready?"

He was pulled from his reverie by the gentle smile of his lovely Empress and softened to her as he had fallen into the habit of doing since her appearance in court. He took her hand and lay lips upon it - perhaps an act highly treasonous had the attendants in the room not been the few trusted souls to know the secret of Austria and the man they would refer simply as Roderich Edelstein, despite that knowledge. He liked the name well enough - he thought it brought him a bit closer to the people. If they as well were in the habit of using it there was less of a chance to slip and confuse someone who didn't need to know.

"I am." Austria smiled at his Empress and kept his hand in hers, grateful for the contact and her personal visit. Surely the Emperor would prefer the ceremony to be over quickly so he could celebrate this odd victory, and the man Roderich could understand - although perhaps less celebratory and more toward the wish for a quick end.

"Then let us go see your bride."

[Hungary]

"Just a little tigther!"

Elizaveta nearly squeeked as the maid assisting her pulled the corset strings tighter, compressing her ribcage and pressing the air out of her body. She coughed slightly as the maid tied the strings together.

"Now remember how I showed you, shallow breaths! We don't want you fainting on Lord Edelstein now do we?"

Hungary looked at the other maid that had been instructing the first "Is this all really that necessary?" she tried to say between breaths, she was not used to wearing corsets to tightly and already her mind was feeling a bit fuzzy from the restraint on her breathing.

"Milady, it's your wedding dress! It cost a fortune! Why would you even suggest wearing something else..."

"That's not what I meant! I just don't think it has to be that tight!" Elizaveta frowned at the woman. The pair had been poking and prodding her all morning. They had finished hot ironing her hair into luscious honey gold ringlets and accenting them with pearl pins and tiny white flowers. Two stray wavy strands of silken honey hair dangled on the sides of her face mingling with long pearl earrings. A choker of white lace surrounded her slender neck with a pearl broach at it's center. Hungary wouldn't deny that the dress itself was quite lovely made of white silks and lace, but she wasn't about to go through torture just to look to those uptight noble standards.

The maid sighed but complied after Hungary flashed her a warning glance "Very well," she instructed the younger maid "loosen it up a little bit, but make sure she secure enough that she's not..." the woman made a gesture towards her chest and Hungary had a sudden desire to smack this woman. She understood they were helping make her look presentable and that she was going to be paraded around in front of a bunch of nobles, but all of this was just too much.

She let it pass as the younger maid allowed her some breathing room to which Hungary gave her a thankful look. The other woman smiled as she retrieved several containers from the vanity and began to apply the finishing touches to her make up. A touch of pink to the lips, a line of kohl to accent the emerald eyes, and powder to already fair cheeks. Perfume was dabbed onto her neck and wrists. As they continued to get her ready for the ceremony, Hungary's mind lingered back to the time Ferenc Deák, Minister of Justice, had visited her in her cottage.

"The people have decided that it would be best if you entered into union with Austria. There is to be a Dual Monarchy" Ferenc smiled at her as if this was the best news in the world.

"Wha...what?" Hungary had gapped at him in shock. "What do you mean?"

"We have offered your hand in marriage to Lord Edelstein, he has agreed to this as well as the other Habsburgs and the Diet. It is believed to be in everyone's best interests..."

"Except mine!" Hungary frowned, "After all the fighting, protests and struggling to become independant again and now you want to Compromise?"

"Elizaveta..." Ferenc held her gaze "I understand how you feel, but I ask that you trust me it is for the best. You've known him for quite sometime haven't you?"

"Since we were children, but that doesn't mean I KNOW him. I was his servant for a long time but..."

"But what?"

Elizaveta had sighed as she turned away from him.

but I feel so confused...


The maid then led Hungary to the mirror and allowed the country to look herself over. She peered at her reflection, taken aback at the lovely woman that peered back at her. She could never imagine to wear something so glamorous, a woman who had always been clad in plain dresses and covered in a layer of dust. She almost felt like those princesses in the fairytales and couldn't help but be slightly mystified of it all.

In just a few hours she would be married to Austria. A boy she had bullied as a child, a young man that had taken her into his house as a servant. She cleaned, washed, toiled and worked as any good little servant would, hiding the biterness that resided in her gut. She had wanted to hate him for casting her into servitude, but found she could not. He had been kind to her in their years living together. She had a chance to see how he really was. How hard he worked and strived to keep the villagers happy. She had felt concern at the way they were treating him and began to grow a protective bond over him.

She had been more than willing to stand by him and fend off enemies that would try to pick on him and was beginning to realize that he was a strong individual, not necassarily physically, but in mind and spirit. There had been physical attraction, she had found him quite handsome, but Elizaveta wasn't completely focused on the physical, but he made such beautiful music and there were plenty of times she would watch him entranced from behind curtains and shadows as he played his piano. If she could she would've spent hours just listening to him play and she had decided that it would take a man with a beautiful soul to deliver such passion in his music.

She jumped at the knock at her door. One of the maids answered it as hungary turned to meet her visitor. Ferenc Deák entered and smiled as his gaze met Hungary's.

"I've come to fetch our lovely bride! Is she ready?" he asked one of the ladies.

"Just about!" the younger one smiled as she placed the veil over Hungary's head then stood back to admire the work "Oh my Lady you look so beautiful."

"That she does." Ferenc stepped over to Hungary who was relieved her blush was hidden under the veil. The Minister peered at her through the fabric, a warm smile on his face "but are you ready Elizaveta"

Elizaveta released a breath she didn't realize she was holding "I don't know..."

"Nervous?"

"Am I that transparent?"

Ferenc chuckled, but offered her his arm which she took politely "They really appreciate what you are doing for them you know, as do I."

"Y...yes..." Elizaveta took a lovely boquet of red and white roses from the maid in her free hand. "I know..."

"Shall we present you to your husband to be then?"

Elizaveta nodded "Yes" she answered simply. One of the maids lifted the long train off the floor and followed as Ferenc led his country out into the grand Hall to be given off to her future husband.

[reticence]

The musician paced and paused and restarted his route, the succinct rhythm of boots upon empty floors a discordance against the murmur of voices, the ruffle of silks and velvets. It wasn't that Ungarn... Hungary... his... wife-to-be was late, nor was it that he was specifically early - it was that time itself seemed to have slowed, drawing half-rests into wholes, stretching quavers to lose their flags and become quarter notes. Viertelnotes. It was easier to recite such things with his steady pace, easier to keep said pace with the ache in his leg from those damned Prussians - from the damned embodiment himself who laughed that laugh not unlike cymbals when it was all too obvious that he had won. Perhaps that hurt more than the wounds at the end of it; perhaps the reminder of the loss and the final step toward this... this union exhausted and pained him more than the physical scars of the war.

Deák, of course, was brilliant in his proposal even if it took Austria (the man) more time than Austria (the nation) to be able to accept it. They were losing control of the peoples that had been in and out of their control at varying times during varying years. However, since the War of Austrian Succession - since the Archduchess (or Empress - though in his mind Austria called her simply by her name) had continually failed to keep her the Empire's lands and her own agreements (he could still feel Silesia at times, a dull ache in the wide scar beneath his heart) - things for the Habsburg Empire seemed only to become worse. They seemed to be losing more than gaining, and with the increased pressures from the Magyars and Slavs it would only be so long before more land and people were lost as well. Dualism seemed an extreme; Austria could already hear his enemies laughing over drinks over it - that the nation who brought so many under his house through the marriages of his people would now have to be bound by the weight of the ring on his hand in equality with another - a woman, at that (though Austria had seen Hungary hold her own against men seemingly twice her size - she was a vision atop a horse, in armour).

Let them sing in jest the motto of his house - Wars may be led by others - you, happy Austria, marry! over beers and clinked glasses. Perhaps now the Austrian Empire... the Austro-Hungarian Empire would prove to be an uneasy force to conquer. Perhaps as well those matching rings would drive Prussia off, a reminder that once again he was alone. The thought comforted the musician a little, and it was only the click of shoes that were not his own perfectly-timed paces that drew him from his reverie.

He stopped then, and gazed toward the Hall's entrance. There, a vision in white strode toward him. The crimson of the roses she held stood starkly against the white of her dress (it was a duet, he thought, so sharply suiting), and her face was too well-hidden by the delicate veil to betray anything. He wondered if she had the same misgivings as he did - or if she'd be smug, confident, push immediately for rights she had not previously been able to attain.

In this moment, he realized that he did not know her at all - not since she had served in his house, not since they had cared for children, for a time, between them. She had always been strikingly beautiful, even when they were children and she thought herself a man, and on battlefield with mud and blood upon her cheeks and hands. He had always been convinced that if one stronger than he had taken her under their power she would come out of it stronger than ever - and was proved right, of course. He clasped his hands behind his back; he wanted to draw her forward, lift that veil, and sternly study the features beneath. Instead, he would straighten his posture, set his mouth steady, and wait for her to approach him even as his Empress spoke kindly and quietly behind him, trying to reassure him that this was for the best, that they had known each other for so long that it would be much better than the marrying off of children for political union, wouldn't it? He closed his eyes and sighed softly, nodding discreetly at her, wanting to take her small hand within his own and kiss it in gratitude.

The percussion of footsteps crescendoed. He opened his eyes and awaited his bride.

[Hungary]

Hungary allowed Deák to lead her down the hall, her gaze lingering over familiar paintings that adorned the walls. She couldn't see them particuarily well through the veil, but she knew what they were from seeing them many a time as she walked these halls the past few centuries. For many years it had been her home and she had once more returned, though it somehow seemed she had taken a step backward than forward. Her people had been restless after Nationalism began to take its hold and had yearned to be independant once again after so long under Austrian rule. She had finally gained the courage to return to her homeland and had done so with the support of her people.

Her body tensed slightly as she noticed a pair of figures standing at the end of the hall. Time almost seemed to stop as she drew closer to her would be future. She couldn't help but feel thankful that the veil provided some sort of barrier from his wandering gaze. Surely he must still be upset with her, for the past half-century she had been quite the thorn in his side. Attempting to leave his home only to be forced back by Russia, who had been called upon for aid by the Emperor, and just to spite her took her revolutionary flags to his homeland to parade the victory over the stubborn nation. Though hurt that he had taken such lengths for her return to his house she had been ready to defend him when Gilbert marched upon Saxony and Bohemia, but to her shock her people stayed her hand, still distraught over the loss of the Hungarian revolution. She had locked herself away in her cottage, praying to God that he would be alright, but he had lost the war and she had felt guilty.

That was where her reluctance had stemmed from when Ferenc had approched her with his proposal. She was too ashamed and unwilling to admit it. It was the will of my people, she kept telling herself, I had no choice. Yet she didn't fully believe it herself.

Once she and Ferenc stood before Austria and his Emperess, the same doubts and confusion began to return and her grip on the bouquet tightened slightly. Why now? Why this? Was this just a way for him to prove to her that he had won? Did he truely want her to stay so badly? She was confused, she was unsure, she was...afraid? No, she was never afraid. Her body tensed as she regained her stature. Or was it that she was unwilling to accept her feelings because it was a contradiction of what she fought for? She would be lying if she said she didn't care for Roderich. She truely respected the man, adored his passion for music and a constant longing to be near him. She felt all of these things, and they confused her, she had never felt so strongly towards anyone before and the fact he was marrying her despite their...past differences was even more confusing.

She looked up at him as Ferenc stopped them in front of the pair, the man bowing respectfully.

"I am honored Highness" Ferenc smiled as he stood and slid his arm to hold Hungary's hand as she dipped into a curtsey.

"As am I your Highness" She may have been a nomad and maid before, but she knew how to be respectful amongst Royalty and Nobles. It briefly brought her back to the old days of her knighthood.

She glanced back at Austria, finding it hard to meet his gaze through the veil, but peered at him all the same. It was hard to believe he would do this just to spite her, she had never seen him as the type to do that. She couldn't help but smile as Ferenc continued with his formalities, his words lost to her as she pictured that familiar amethyst gaze watching her in return. Perhaps this would be good for them and their countries. She could now be at his side as an equal, a partner, much more than just a servant, a position her people would be more willing to accept. She would be able to protect him from further invasions, comfort him and care for him as she felt herself longing to do. They complimented each other well, he the born leader and she the soldier. The power of his industry, the strength of her fighting prowess. She could even grow to love this man, she was certain, and perhaps someday he would feel the same.

"May I present to you Miss Elizaveta Héderváry of Hungary..."

She was soon snapped out of her reverie as she felt her hand being held forward by Ferenc, offering it to her future husband and suddenly she felt her heart leap in her throat. Nerves beginning to set in once again. Ah stop it you're being silly, she scolded herself as she tried her best to calm her nerves. This was it, she would soon be bound to this man completely and a lot would be expected out of her. She managed another smile, Hungary had always been up to a challenge, and this new page in her life would prove to be an interesting one at that.

[reticence]

"May I present to you Miss Elizaveta Héderváry of Hungary..."

The woman before him should have looked awkward in those beautiful yet ornamental shoes, in that long dress that left no extra leg room to jump atop a horse if need be. It seemed wholly foreign to her - yet it fit her perfectly. The tailors and whomever else had arranged such things had chosen a fabric and cut that suited her figure perfectly, that allowed the woman who was more warrior than housewife by leagues to move with the power and grace that was ever-present in each cell of her skin and blood.

A moment of breathlessness surprised him; of course he was aware of all of these things, and yet he had never had them forced into his vision. It was as if he could see in colour for the first time. This wasn't love - no, nothing of the sort. It was politics. It was the last, desperate need of a dying Empire. The Hungarians knew it more than his own statesmen would accept. To the Chancellor and the men who nodded to him, eager to cull favour, it was a chance: one last, mad effort to draw the dissenters and supporters in the Empire alike under that umbrella called "compromise." How misleading. It was a life rope. Nothing more.

But there was more than that. Something that moved beneath his skin akin to need. The Chancellor was plotting something with this, something more than renewed strength between the two nations. (He had thought he had heard "Prussia" and "France" and the hairs on his arms, the back of his neck bristled at the both of them.) Austria himself was told to focus on the wedding, on the things that men and women were already handling. It bothered him, to be pushed from planning so easily. Perhaps it as well was another indication of how much the world had moved on.

Austria was tired - but the day was far from over.

Regaining that caught breath with a swallow against lips pressed tightly into a line, he nodded toward the Hungarian statesman and then shifted his gaze again to his bride-to-be. He wondered what she was thinking, although such assumptions were never easy with her. she was... a wildflower, something oddly beautiful and easily unreadable somehow. It had left him, at times, confused and oddly wanting although he would never allow any of this to show. In the years she had lived with him, he never took advantage of her presense. He wondered occasionally if perhaps he should have - if she would have minded, really. Even if he couldn't easily guess her thoughts, the way her eyes felt upon him as he watched him play music - the violin, the piano, at times other things - was something that needed no defining. He had catagorized it as underestimation, that a man such as he would be drawn to such things when the Empire was so vast and so often warring. He really could do nothing else; there was no room for any other alternative.

He took that offered hand, dipping his head to lay a soft kiss upon the back of it, admiring the jut of bones beneath skin as they lay briefly against his lips. When he returned his posture to normal, he held her hand still, but gently - an indication she could return it to herself if she so wished.

Within moments, before he had drawn his gaze away from that veil, the clergyman and his own Chancellor arrived. With an apologetic glance he wasn't sure would be seen easily underneath the lace that confined the woman's face, he reset himself in the appropriate place and readied himself for the ceremony, as short as it would surely be.

[Hungary]

Hungary peered at the figure that took her hand and bowed to kiss it. She felt her heart quicken slightly at the brush of his lips, yet even so she couldn't help but frown. This.... it wasn't right was it? This man who not to long ago fought against her in the battlefield. Who even then called upon Ivan to crush her people into submission, yet again depending on others to do his dirty work. The grip on her bouqet tightened. It was too soon, she still harbored anger. Anger over the thirteen generals he murdered shortly after her surrender, the way the Austrians raised and clinked their glasses in celebration over the heartless dispaly of 'example'. Her gaze turned downward as she mulled over past events.

Past events she couldn't change. No this was no longer about her. It was about her people. She was just a tool, it didn't matter how she felt about the matter in the end and it never would. She glanced back up at him, giving his hand a squeeze. Perhaps it was her way of reassuring the both of them. She figured he couldn't possibly be happy with this. He would bear the weight of the ring as much as she, he no longer would be 'Master'

She noticed him cast a glance to her though she could't really read the emotion through the barrier she had an idea of what was intended. She had wanted to hate him for what he had done, but she couldn't. Like her he was a tool, used by his bosses, made to carry out decisions he likely didn't agree on. She just couldn't believe it, this man's soul was too beautiful in her eyes. She had seen it in it's true form when he thought no one was watching. She gripped his hand gently. No she wouldn't let go. They were going into this together.

The Clergymen and other witnesses had entered the hall and gathered round as they readied themselves for the ceremony. It wasn't to extravagant. Likely the Emperor was in a rush to get this done. His last chance to save his fading empire. To be honest she couldn't really blame the man. She might've done the same in his position. The Emperess remained by Austria and Ferenc by her as they too faced forward as the holy man began the ceremony. She gently ran her thumb over his hand, hoping she could be at least a little comfort for what they were going through. It would be her duty as a wife after all.

Hungary gently bit her bottom lip as the ceremony began, the Priest's word carrying out over the Hall around them.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here in the sight of God, and in the presence of these witnesses, to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony; which is an honorable estate, instituted of God. It is therefore, not to be entered into unadvisedly, but reverently, discreetly, and in the fear of God. Into this holy estate these two persons come now to be joined."

Oh God it had started, her heart seemed to beat against her ribcage. No turning back after this, she tried her best to concentrate on her breathing. Inhale...exhale...inhale....exhale.

" Heavenly Father, Sir Roderich and Lady Elizaveta are now about to vow their unending loyalty to each other. We ask you to accept the shared treasure of their life together, which they now create and offer to You. Grant them everything they need, that they may increase in their knowledge of You throughout their life together. In the name of Jesus. Amen."

Hungary focused on the man before them, trying not to let her thoughts wander or her doubts rise. She could do this. She would be good to her husband. She would do all that was expected of her. She would do this for her people. She would try...she would try her best to love him. Start this anew and leave past transgressions behind her. And then it dawned on her. Their wedding night...could she go through with that? She could feel her cheeks burn as the thought crossed her mind. What would be expected of her then, well she could obviously guess, but could she really go through with it? Ah...Of course she could. She could handle anything! Argh... Just focus Elizaveta!

"Hand in Hand you enter marriage, hand in hand you step out in faith. The hand you freely give to each other, is both the strongest and the most tender part of your body. In the years ahead you will need both strength and tenderness. Be firm in your commitment. Don't let your grip become weak. And yet, be flexible as you go through change. Don't let your hold become intolerable. Strength and tenderness, firm commitment and flexibility, of such is a marriage made, hand in hand..."

Oh God what was she doing?! She couldn't go through with this could she?!!! No...no doubts. Focus Elizaveta!

"Please face eachother...and look upon another"

Elizaveta slowly turned, and swallowed her nerves. Her veil was slowly lifted and she could finally look upon her future husband. Her breath caught in her throat as she met his amethyst gaze. He was a vision of true nobility, like a prince in a fairytale. Perhaps this all was a dream and she would wake up back in her quarters, back to plain dresses and dust and normalcy, but she realized it was very real as he took her other hand as well.

"Now Sir Roderich if you would repeat my words. I Roderich take you, Elizaveta, to be my wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, for as long as we both shall live. This is my solemn vow. "

To which he did as Elizaveta held his gaze the entire time he spoke, she almost missed the priest speaking to her as she peered up at Austria seemingly a bit mystified of it all, but she managed to catch her own part at the right time.

"Now Lady Elizaveta if you would repeat after me. I Elizaveta take you, Roderich, to be my husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, for as long as we both shall live. This is my solemn vow.

She repeated the words softly, but loud enough for him to hear. Words of vows an loyalty for him alone. She then offered him a warm smile. They were in this together and she would be there to help him through it.

"The rings if you please"

Ferenc stepped forward and placed the cool metal band in her hand as Austria's Chancellor did the same. He took her hand once more and slid the band on her finger. She stared at it a moment in somewhat awe, the lovely gold band, the symbol of two countries uniting. She was almost in a daze as Austria recited the words to her. She blinked as she realized everyone was looking at her now.

"Ah.." she reached over and slowly slid the ring on Austria's finger, reciting the vows the priest led her through with a smile on his lips. He must have thought she was hopelessly in love, if he only knew the truth.... She looked back up at Austria. She had known him for so long, since they were just children still learning about themselves and the world around them, and now as adults they were joining as one. In all honestly she never could have guessed she would standing here like this before him, yet a small part of her was relieved to be so. Perhaps she could finally fulfil that yearning she had had in those years they spent together. The want to nurture and protect and.....love. She soon relized she was smiling at him genuinely, accepting the future moulding before them.

"Now that Roderich and Elizaveta have given themselves to each other by the promises they have exchanged, I pronounce them to be husband and wife, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen"

"Amen" the voices rang through the hall and Elizaveta glanced at the priest as he held out his hands with a warm smile.

"You may now kiss your bride."


OOC: Woo the hard part is ovah XD lol I tried to do this as best as I could without moving Austria too much. I hope it works XD

[reticence]

While Hungary thought of the wrongs Austria's people had lain upon her own, his mind was far from it. If asked, he would neither claim responsibility or rebuke it, stating something in the vein of 'it was war' or some lengthy explanation on why a certain outcome had to be taken with certain measures. An idle thing. Words.

He thought merely of the future: the complications of a dual-monarachy, the liberations of quelling a people even if another were displeased. There was only so much he could do - and that was lowering day by day.

To be married again...

It was strange. He never thought he would. Not after the war that had ended his last marriage.

No. It wasn't something he'd think on now. Surely this would be different. The world had changed immensely since the early 1700s. It moved on at a near-dizzying pace. Sometimes, he didn't want to keep up with it, but still he arose every morning early and worked as necessary, stealing away moments when he could for his music. They were few, but cherished.

The Priest spoke. He idly listened. There was something atonal in the man's voice, something a little nasily as if the proper amount of pressure was being denyed the reeds in a clarinet. He frowned slightly... until a smaller thumb graced the skin of his hand. The simple movement relaxed him; he let out the breath he didn't realize he had held.

The ceremony continued; he did as requested, nodding when necessary, turning to her at the appropriate time. He wondered if he smelled of the makeup, if the powder had fallen upon his collar. He didn't wonder why it even mattered as he lifted her veil and studied the face below it, filling his free hand with hers even before he realized the action was complete.

Austria spoke. He forgot to smile. There was too much else to think about: repeating the scripted words, trying to keep his eyes on hers and not upon the pretty curve at the corner of her mouth that he'd somehow missed over the last several centuries, the curve of her neck against that dress... But he made it through, feeling much a child. Feeling as if the wonder and the things he couldn't quite describe in his mind and heart were saturating his voice. Those words were repeated back to him and felt oddly true in a way they should not have. How strange.

Everything was a recital, a piece set in words but he was thankful for it as he nearly stuttered upon vows (how foolish, vows, they weren't human - yet in this they were something of equals, more so than any humans participating in such a ceremony. How very strange indeed). He watched her as it was her turn to do the same, speaking with a smile he couldn't quite define. It couldn't be love, could it? Not after all this time, not after their... difficulties as of late.

Her smile changed. He didn't know what to think, didn't realize it was nearly over until the chorus of voices behind them spoke as well as one, a chorus without given parts and yet beautiful in its naturalness.

"You may now kiss your bride."

Ah. Yes. This. He felt as if he should say something, and perhaps the moments it took to draw away from her eyes only lent perfectly to the rumours of prudishness that befell his character (how strange that one who called him a whore would the next year accuse him of the very opposite). He wanted to speak. He wanted to... apologize, to promise simple things outside of those scripted vowels.

"Thank you," he said simply, before his mind had even decided on a proper response, and kissed her gently to the applause of clergymen and countrymen alike.

[Hungary]

She turned her gaze from the priest to her husband. She felt her heartbeat quicken once more as he held her gaze. Seconds seemed to tick by slowly as he drew in closer and leaned in slowly.

"Thank you..." she heard him say and then his lips were on hers. She was briefly confused as to why he would thank her, but soon focused on the fact he had kissed her and the others were applauding. She reached up and genly gripped the folds of his coat, a smile pressed against his mouth as she tilted her head slightly, taking control of it, revealing bits of her wild nature that still remained. She was quite confident as a partner and had no qualms revealing what she had to offer.

When it finally ended and she pulled back slightly to look up at him once more she found herself content. It could work...she believed in it and she couldn't help but wonder how he felt about it.

Ferenc cleared his throat and Hungary glanced at the Statesman. He smiled at her "Ah I'm sorry to interrupt you so quickly but there are some things that need to be signed."

"Ah alright..." Hungary gave a nod of her head. Her smile faded a bit however, not even married two minutes and already they were wanting her to sign things...Could she not at least try to enjoy her wedding day?

Ferenc bowed to the Emperess before turning and leading the new couple down the halls towards what Hungary remembered as the way to Austria's office. She held onto his hand as they approached the doors. Ferenc pushed them open and stepped aside to allow them to enter.

"We took the liberty of putting them on your desk" Ferenc turned to Austria. " You may look them over if you like, but it will finalize everything once you sign. After that we will handle everything else and you may enjoy the festivities we have set up for you both." Ferenc stepped over beside the desk and waited patiently.

Hungary glanced at her husband and gave his hand a reassuring squeese before stepping over towards the desk. She did trust Ferenc to handle everything he had taken great care of her thus far and it would be nice for once to not worry over everything. However she began to briefly skim the documents and found everything to be in order. She looked up at her husband once more before leaning forward and accepting the quill from her Statesman. She scrawled her name over parchment...

Elizaveta Héderváry...she paused a moment and smiled a bit...Edelstein

She set the quill on the desk and nodded to Ferenc who smiled brightly at her. "Thank you Elizaveta."

OOC: Sorry so short! Still was trying to move it along without moving Austria too much! <3