A Good Reason to Party

((Feel free to post seperate threads to follow through with your own arcs if you want. We'll start things off in here.))

The room was ready for them, the newly wedded couple were still yet to arrive as they were taking a more scenic route to the reception and most of the partiers had already arrived to greet Mr & Mrs Daniels.

Their reception was to take place at Jacob's home. The ranch which his father was running currently with the help of his son.

The room that they had set up in had been magically extended thanks to Maria's relatives, was decked out in colours of white and blue, the same colours representing both Maria's and Jacob's house colours from when they had been at school.

Everything was prepared, ready and waiting for the party to begin.

Walking into the room, Cassandra was overcome with the feelings of booth light, airy freedom and the aqueous submersion in a non-compressing way. It was delightful and pleasant and the decorations reflected just that. Mattie had been an Eau back his old school, which she had known from her elementary French to mean water. She hadn't bothered to research what the other houses were, but she could now assume that one of them was sky, which she had learned as Ciel. It was nice, and the other two houses, of course, leant to the other two elements. Their translations were easy as well, but Cassie didn't much mind. She entered the room on Jacques' arm, her hair gently bobbing as they moved along. She was so very pleased with the circumstances. She was sure she and Armelle could stay up late tonight chatting about it if things didn't go too long with her man.

Searching around, Cassie finally found the table with the makers. Apparently Armelle had reserved rightly, as she spotted her own name seated between the French girl and another name she did not particularly recognize. However, she noted that Mattie was seated to Armelle's left and quickly picked up the place cards and switched them so that Cassandra still sat next to Armelle, but was now on Jacques' right. She grinned and bobbed her head in a satisfied way. She was sure that Armelle would not mind the switch at all. After all, they were school chums and Jacques and Cassie were a definite item.

Pulling out her seat and placing her purse underneath her chair, Cassandra sat down and awaited the arrival of the large, ceremonious entrance of the bride and groom to start the festivities.

Armelle was in awe when taking in how beautiful the reception area was. When it came to decorating whomever Maria's wedding planner was had great taste. She would have to remember to ask when the time came for Armelle herself to get married. If that time ever came. The former Terre let out a small sigh at the seemly impossibility of ever tying the knot before an inward moment of shock hit her. 'When did I start caring about marriage?' she thought to herself. More than that, when did she start caring about relationships? 'Must just be the occasion,' she assured herself.

The auburn haired beauty was a quite the distance behind Jax and Cassie, for she had to transfigure her clothes into a more appropriate outfit for a party, but her eyes were keen enough to spot Cassie switching the name cards. That would just not do. Armelle had no idea why she was so upset about this; she decided on a lame excuse about a lot of thought being put into these seating plans!

"Cassie darling," Armelle called as she got closer, "I'm sorry, but you can't change the nameplates. I normally wouldn't care but..." she thought quickly and said the first excuse that came to her head, "but Maria is very particular about this sort of thing and it is her wedding reception after all."

She switched the nameplates back to their proper order; it was Jacques, her, than Cassie who sat next to Veronique. There seemed to be a few other names but Armelle couldn't really see those. Little twinges of guilt hit her as she did this, not because she was forcing Cassie away from Jacques, but because she had used Maria as an excuse to pull this little stunt and Armelle had no idea if it was true. It wasn't like Armelle had been around much; not that Cassie knew that.

Just a mere second has passed before she heard her named called behind her. It was dear Armelle, and the girl had gone and done some quick switching with her clothes. She looked absolutely ravishing in the new ensemble and Cassie suddenly felt underdressed. Alas, changing clothes right now would be too much of a mimic unless others started changing as well. After all, this was a magical event and people could do so much with their wit and charm. She contemplated a change, but thought it best to listen to her friend's wishes before making a move to be dramatic and gorgeous, as the auburn haired girl had done. Rising from her chair, she shifted as Armelle moved the nameplates back, she pouted out her lower lip in severe distaste, but if Armelle spoke the truth, then it was best not to irritate the bride.

"If it means so much to your friend, then." Cassandra shifted to her left, however, planting a large, wet kiss on Jacques' lips that probably lasted a few moments too long for public view. She released him, letting a pop resonate throughout the hall, before she shifted to the seat that was originally intended for her. The girl, Veronique, was apparently supposed to sit next to her. She wondered how that would pan out, but didn't mind making a new friend. Cassie looked down her front, contemplating the purple dress she had worn for the wedding. The accessories seemed to bore her now, and they definitely paled in comparison to Armelle's new flair.

In her new seat, Cassie looked at herself over and over again. There was no way she was going to impress her man in these rags. Yes, they had been appropriate for the wedding, but if Armelle saw fit for a clothing change for the reception, then so did Cassie. She whipped out her wand and started to work. From he shoulders down, everything changed. The new outfit was up to Cassandra's standards. Armelle's necklace looked familiar, but Cassie couldn't place exactly where. She gazed at it for a moment before deciding to pipe up. "Armelle, where did you get your necklace? I could swear I've seen that shape before?" The whereabouts of the shape, however, were completely escaping Cassie.

Veronique arrived at the reception mere moments after Armelle had arrived. She had seen her best friend change her clothing and Veronique smiled to herself and shook her head silently. She could almost read Armelle's mind and could tell that she was on the prowl. The green eyed girl hung back as she watched the girl with Jacques change the nameplates and Armelle change them back to where they were. Truly Veronique thought that Maria would'nt really care if two nameplates where switched around but she still kept her mouth shut not wanting to ruin Armelle's fun.

She made her way over to the table where Jacques, Armelle, and the other girl were standing around and talking. Veronique was shocked at how openly affectionate this girl and Jacques were, Was this his plus one? She had thought about asking one of her male classmates, Marc, to join her at the wedding but she backed out last minute. She didn't have any strong feelings for him but he was nice to look at.

"Hey Armelle..Jacques," she paused for a moment to wait for the two to finish their kiss, "Hi, I'm not sure we have met I'm Veronique Boulet," she reached her hand out to shake the other girl's hand.

Veronique tried to keep her focus on what was happening right now but couldn't help but wonder if that truly was Russel back at the ceremonies. It sure seemed like him but he definately had a different demanor, a more stand-offish and not as warm and loving as she remembered. Had he realized it was her and did he remember her? Had all of the horrors her had witnessed in Auror traning make him forget who she was.

With her husband’s steady arm looped around her waist, the blushing bride stepped down from the magical carriage and into the enlarged doorway of Jacob’s house where the after-wedding reception was being held. Her uncle Cyril, Dianna, and her father had truly outdone their selves – what had once been the Daniels’ cosy living room was now enlarged ten times its’ original size and decked out with tables and chairs in rich hues of violet blue and ivory.

Maria turned her face upwards to smile at her husband, glad that her white veil no longer concealed her from him.

Directly to the left, large glass doors swung open to reveal a makeshift dance floor situated beneath the breezy, sunset sky where Maria and Jacob would share their first dance as husband and wife.

The very thought sent thrills down her spine.

Armelle did her best at repressing a smirk at her small victory. Goodness, it was almost like school all over again; back when she would do whatever she could to keep girls away from her Jax. Not that this was anything like those days. No, she and Jacques were long done; this was just a bit of Déjà vu that's all.

Her urge to smirk soon faded as Cassandra and Jacques made for some major PDA. Armelle could not help but find this slightly obscene; they were in a public place after all! The popping sound that came from the breaking of suction between the two nearly busted her eardrums. Oh well, at least it was over with and they could focus on the meal with little to no drama.

But a drama free night was not meant to be.

"My necklace?" The auburn replied with a faraway look on her face as her had instinctively went to the small charm. It took a few seconds for her to realize that she was lost in thoughts she never wanted to be lost in. "Oh, this was a gift from my mentor back when I was in school. I never take it off, and as for where you've seen it..."

Armelle didn't want to think of where she had seen it, or why it was where it was at all. Nothing about that night was anything any of those involved wanted to think about. Luckily she didn't have to answer as the goddess looked kindly on her that night.

Jacob and Maria were a beautiful couple. As Armelle stood to clap for their entrance into the world as Mr. and Mrs. Daniels, she silently wished them nothing but happiness together.

Time passed and Julian hardly felt the major events taking place during the wedding. It seemed like he was on a daze when Jacob and Maria recited their wedding vows; all he knew at the moment was that somehow he was able to apparate to the wedding reception afterwards.

Well, it didn't really hurt as much as he imagined it to be. Julian suddenly felt like a real drama king, but he wasn't about to disregard what he felt about the wedding hours before. It did feel really awful to imagine Maria Doloresta finally settling down, but during the time the couple sealed their vows with so meaningful a kiss, Julian simply thought that it looked, felt and seemed so right then. What the hell was he so worried about? Silly Julian, as Maria would say so lovingly.

Julian stole a glance where the newlyweds were and threw Maria his standard mischievous grin. Now that he's got his stupid fears over and done with, Julian aimed to make the best out of this wedding reception. Of course, he's set to make his best man speech later on at the feast, but there was plenty of time to run the things he wanted to say over in his head later. What he wanted to do right now is to look for several people to check on. One, Elise was nowhere to be found (yet), and Damien--, Julian hardly saw him during the ceremony.

The Wedding Party was announced and Jacob grinned bashfully at his friends and family as he and his bride found their way to their seats.

He took in the smiling faces around them, happy that he could share this day with them all.

To say that the wedding food was good, would be an understatement. By the time Maria's aunt had finished with their customary blessing, Jacob was indeed ravenous for the food, and a lot could be said for wedding food.

Forks and knives scraped at ceramic plates, a loud droning noise which were the many patrons chattering on, some talking about the wedding they'd just witnessed.

"Congratulations, Son," Jacob's father had stopped by the couples table to offer his best wishes to the happy couple.

Many others took the opportunity to do the same in the gap between entree and main.

"What are you plans for the future?"

"Uh, well..." Jacob looked sideways at Maria and smiled. They had talked of many different directions that they could go, but firstly, Maria and Jacob would be moving permanently in to live together. Jacob was very excited for this.

"We're not entirely sure what the future holds, there are a few things we want to do before we settle down entirely... We're thinking about doing some travel, we're taking our honeymoon in Australia, did you know?"

While for any muggle, a trip to Australia from France would cost quite a bit, and the flight was rather long... Fortunately, being magical had it's perks. Taking a Portkey was far more practical, it was half the cost of a muggle flight, and took one-fiftieth of the time!

"Well, all the best of luck to you both!" Their well-wisher smiled and left them as their main meals appeared before them, quite literally.

Jacob turned to Maria and reached his hand over to where hers laid resting in her lap. He squeezed it happily, he couldn't have felt more happy, the moment even topping the day that Maria had agreed to marry Jacob in the first place.

"I love you," he said, whispering the words in his ear, "and I'll love you for the rest of my life, Mrs. Daniels."

Damien escorted Antoinette, his distant aunt and adopted mother, while her own Julian was busily running all over the place. He led her in line to greet the newlyweds, with Nicholas, Julian's father and the younger children behind them. Both Damien and Antoinette knew Maria more than they did Jacob, and both obviously wanted to call the bride's attention first, so as not to bewilder the groom.

"Maria dear, congratulations!" Antoinette's greeting beat Damien's in being conveyed first, and the young man waited for the older woman to finish. He couldn't help but turn his attention to Jacob by then, offering his hand.

"Damien Mauvais, Julian's distant cousin," he introduced himself to him, not quite sure if they had ever met before. "Congratulations and best wishes... to the both of you," he said, glancing briefly at Maria, trying not to add anything unnecessary for the occasion.

"We won't keep you much longer, goodness knows you need to eat," Antoinette then said with a laugh. She and Damien waited as her husband and the children in turn greeted the pair, with Dianne and Adrian reaching for the bride with their fondest kisses.

The story about the mentor left no reason for Cassie to disbelieve, but she still had an inkling suspicion that she had seen the strange, unique star shape elsewhere. It wasn't something metallic either, it had been, perhaps, tattooed or emblazoned in flesh. At that moment, the memory of Jacques' bare chest struck her fully in the mind, the passionate night of heated love making resounding with every moment of friction and pleasure. Alas, she had no time to convey her realization aside from a small gasp, for the wedding party entered quite gracefully. Cassandra was no spoil sport, and rose elegantly to applaud the pair of lovers before retaking her seat. Momentarily ignoring the greeting from the other girl, Cassie waited for the appropriate moment.

Turning to the brunette, Cassandra extended her hand, shaking daintily. "Hello Veronique, I'm Cassandra Whitcombe, Armelle's roommate and Jacques' girlfriend." She gripped the man's arm lovingly, adding an extra squeezed as she released the tension, but not her grasp. She wasn't letting go of this man for as long as she could control it. Something, perhaps the inner and exterior witch, could sense that something was out of place when it came to Jacques' sentiments, but she would pay it no mind, for she had attained the prize and won the trophy. No other girl laid claim to him currently, and she was all the happier for it.

Still talking to Veronique, she continued. "Isn't this wedding magnificent? I always love romantic events." She smiled, adjusting her legs so they crossed in a most lady-like fashion.

Veronique’s genuine smile slowly turned fake as Jacques’ girlfriend did not address her right away. As soon as it faded away it appeared once again due to the entering of the wedding party. She was unbelievably ecstatic for the couple; the two of them finally married was a relief and a joy to Veronique.

Hello Veronique, I'm Cassandra Whitcombe, Armelle's roommate and Jacques' girlfriend.

She shook Cassandra’s hand and had to stifle a giggle at the same time. So this was the woman that Armelle had moved in with. No kidding that she was Jacque’s girlfriend; a few minutes ago she just saw her tongue down his throat. Looking at Jacques she saw that he really returned the affection towards her. Actually to Veronique, the lady seemed a little off her rocker.
Veronique had begun to play with her necklace that she had gotten from Professor Castel forever ago. She never took it off and it always reminded her of the inspiration that he was to her. Just as she was beginning to loose herself in thought Veronique was taken out of it by Cassandra talking about the wedding.

Isn't this wedding magnificent? I always love romantic events.

The former Terre nodded in response, “Yes, it’s just in Maria’s nature I guess.”
Veronique immediately began to think of ways that might get herself away from the crazy lady and a moment to talk with Armelle about her. Or ever just to get away from her altogether.

Weddings were a grand mushy event typically given to the whims of women and the romantic sentiment of their more hormonal urges. More concisely, Jacques wanted to be rid of the lavishness as soon as possible. Not only had he already made an ass out of himself with the whole Russel fiasco, but he wanted to get Cassandra into, or out of, some state of lesser clothing. If women were going to get their way at this event, then there should definitely be some sort of repay. Alas, Jacques did have to concede that the union of Jacob and Maria was worth the endurance of a ceremony and exposure to large groups of people. After all, Maria had been one of the most supportive people through Jacques' time of struggle. From everything involving the demotion as a being into a hybrid being-beast category to his personal problems that seemed meaningless to everyone else, she had been quite the help.

"Cassie, you might need to tone it down." Jacques whispered in an aside to the girl beside him before giving her a tight squeeze around the waist. That should be enough to placate her and not make her attack him fro his words. Sitting down next to Armelle, he noted Cassandra leaving and taking her place in between Armelle and Veronique. That could be a very interesting combination, seeing as Cassandra's personality was manic enough to clash with even the easiest of people. Jacques carried out the motions of the regular proceedings and acknowledged people that he had known from the past. Still, though, he did not feel entirely comfortable being around this many people. He was, indeed, a dangerous and lowly beast according the 'foremost experts.'

Leaning back slightly, but not in any rude amount, Jacques attempted to relax in this stuffy atmosphere. Was it supposed to be awkward with Armelle? She had, in fact, spent the night at the shack a while ago and a conversation had not ensued since then aside from their potion exchange during the ceremony. How he was supposed to act was up in the air, so he gave her a kind smile, the kindest he could manage, to try to start things off well.

It was hard to repress the snicker when it came to Jax and Cassandra. Jax was right of course, the crazy chick needed to calm her hormones. She was sure that her roommate wasn't going to be a happy monkey and Armelle wanted to do something to make her even more bananas. Of course it would come off as completely innocent, just like her school days.

It was funny how easy it was to switch her feelings towards a person, well girls. As much as she thought she had grown up over the years, her catty behaviours came back easily. She pwnd at being a bitch.

"Hey Jax, you seem to have spilled a little something on your tie," she leaned over (showing a hint of cleavage) and wiped. She licked the liquid off her finger, "just your healing potion."

Cassandra shrugged, shaking off the idea that the bride was simply lavish. If Veronique simply didn't want to carry on a genial conversation, then it was fine with Cassie. She could entertain herself with some tempting faces at her lover. He, surely, would appreciate the efforts she put into her lusty gaze and clingy outfit. Other men might have the chance to hoot and holler too, but her body was for one kinky werewolf only at the moment, and he was two seats away, on the other side of her roommate.

Alas, looking up, Cassie saw a sight that did not make her entirely happy. Armelle had leaned in in a manner that appeared rather seductive. The exposure of cleavage was obvious, but that could have been, perhaps, the cut of the dress that exposed so much skin. Cassandra would not hold it against the girl, but the action of the finger sucking was a bit angering. She could have very well done that with more skill and prowess, perhaps shoving her finger in depths much further than Armelle ever could. She humphed, folding her arms across her chest and focusing back on Veronique.

"So you're friends with Armelle," she changed her demeanor quickly, making it quite perky. "how did you two become such good friends? Was it school? Tell me about your time there, I'd be quite willing to hear it." She was trying to occupy herself for as long as a moment as she could, even hours if possible. She would drain every detail of school life out of this girl just to hear about Armelle and Jacques' separate lives.

Veronique sighed in relief when Jacques told his “girlfriend” to calm down her urges. They were getting to the point that it was making her skin crawl and that she wanted to run into the bathroom and either burst out in laughter or throw up. But, what made her stay was seeing her best friend flirt with Jax. She had seen Armelle flirt with guys at the bar and she was definitely bringing her ‘A’ game now. Veronique had to wonder if Armelle still had feelings for Jacques. It had never really come up and for the most part she avoided the subject because she had never revealed what happened between her and Jacques so long ago.

So you're friends with Armelle, how did you two become such good friends? Was it school? Tell me about your time there, I'd be quite willing to hear it.

The green-eyed girl didn’t want to be rude to this Cassandra so she responded, “Armelle and I were best friends in Beauxbatons, yes. We were in the same house, same quidditch team, same classes, etc,” Veronique particularly didn’t want to share her entire life story to a girl she had just meant and who she thought was an absolute psycho. Getting rid of this girl might be as hard as getting rid of a wart on your foot, the muggle way.

For a flickering moment Jacques was frozen. The very room around him seemed to spin, but the blame relied mostly in the realm of flabbergasted senses. His eyes had to take in the scenes before him in an instant, and it wasn't enough to react. He simply gulped, reaching for his tie and adjusting after Armelle had consumed the potion. The moment had been a smidgen of a bit awkward, but the awkwardness had passed when words were shared among those at the table. Jacques breathed easily, making sure the slight shock on his face did not remain as he went to carry on throughout the evening and the reception's festivities. A small cough to clear his throat evened his head.

"At least it wasn't a botched love potion, right Armelle?" Jacques straightened up in his seat, leaning in slightly and winking to his friend. It had been some time since they shared a comfortable conversation, but this did not seem out of place at all. The botched love potion had been quite the creation of chaos, making things go awry in every direction while creating windows for other opportunities. The man placed his hand on the table, gripping the delicate table cloth lightly as he attempted to feel more at ease.

Some parts of Jacques wished he could reach back. Everything was so sloppy when it came to their history. He never got to tell her himself about the death of his mother and sister at the hands of the werewolves. No doubt, she had heard about the horrible murders through the grapevine, but the past relationship they shared would have made it pleasant to discuss the issues with her. At least then, the strange drunken night with Ronnie would not have passed. Bringing that up, though, could prove disastrous. Jacques was unsure if Ronnie had ever shared that snippet of an adventure with anyone.