The Wedding Day (2): Ceremony
Dragonsfall Weyr
Amber Hills Hold
Vintner Hall
Healer Hall
Hidden Meadows
Dolphin Cove Weyr
Dolphin Hall
Emerald Falls Hold
Harper Hall
Printer Hall
Green Valley Hold
Leeward Lagoon Hold
Barrier Lake Weyr
Sunstone Seahold
Citrus Bay Hold
Writers: Clancey, Eimi, Paula
Date Posted: 4th May 2009
Characters: Corowal, Felyna, Almonteo
Description: Almonteo weds Corowal and Felyna.
Location: Emerald Falls Hold
Date: month 2, day 7 of Turn 5
The hold's great hall was packed of people. Corowal stood in front of the Harper Hallmaster, waiting for his bride to arrive. He knew she wanted an grand entrance. It was her right. What surprised Corowal was how nervous he felt himself. He wasn't getting married for the first time after all. Perhaps it was all those Lords, Ladies, Weyrleaders and Hallmasters that stared him.
The Hallmaster could tell the Lord Holder was feeling the pressure, though he could not blame him. A wedding was a life-changing event. "The longer she makes you wait the more time you have to change your mind," Almonteo said under his breath, giving the Lord Holder a smile to let him know it was a gentle tease intended to put the man at ease.
"She would come after me with a big knife," Corowal replied quietly and grinned back. He heard the fanfare that announced the bride's arrival.
She had chosen her entrance timing as carefully as she had done everything else that had led to this day. She found the flutter in her stomach interesting, and smiled as she stepped into view.
She was lovely on any day, but today, as with any bride, she glowed. She had found a genuine liking for the man, and was very interested in becoming Lady of this Hold in truth. The paintings in the hallway made her smile broaden, and her eyes looked for Corowal as he waited for her in front of Hallmaster Almonteo, who had most graciously agreed to handle the ceremony.
Her dress was tailored perfectly, showing off the small waist and slender, but trim, form. The ribbons in her hair draped perfectly around her cheekbones, and the flowers in her hand matched her eyes almost exactly.
Her step was measured, but sure. She didn't rush; she wanted everyone to admire her as she walked this walk. And she enjoyed each step, marking it in her memory perfectly. She met a few eyes and smiles in the crowd as she passed. Her genuine good nature coupled with the mild calculating mind made her a formidable woman, and would make her a formidable Lady Holder in her turn.
Almonteo smiled at the couple as they turned to face him. As a Hallmaster he was rarely asked to perform such ceremonies any more, though it had been one of his secret pleasures as a journeyman. Taking a deep breath he addressed them in a voice loud enough for the waiting crowd to hear. "Lord Corowal, you have come here today to ask this woman to be your partner in life. But this is not any ordinary marriage. You are asking this young woman, Felyna, to not only be your wife, but to be your Lady. No doubt you have thought carefully and thoroughly about your choice, as any Lord Holder must. But have you come here, Lord Coworal, ready to pledge to Felyna your love, honor and protection, not as her Lord, but as her husband?"
"I have," Corowal replied in loud voice.
Almonteo nodded and turned his attention to the young woman. "And you Felyna, have come here willingly, knowing that you will not only become a wife this day, but a Lady Holder. Such a position might sound glamorous, but it will be filled with even more hard work and sacrifice than any common marriage. Are you prepared to love Lord Corowal as your Lord, but also as your husband? Do you intend to honor his claim to you, bearing only his children for as long as he is alive? Will you make your home a sanctuary of peace and rest for a man who bears the responsibility of the welfare of not only you and your children, but the entire Hold as well?"
She listened to the words Corowal spoke and his loud, firm answer. Her smile curved broadly as Almonteo turned toward her.
Her voice was sweet, but carried. "I most definitely will."
The Hallmaster turned back to the groom. "Lord Corowal, you have brought a golden mark, a token of the promise you would make to her today. Offer it to her now and ask if she will accept your gift, and your love as her Lord and husband."
Corowal pulled out the mark, seemingly out of thin air. He held it on his open palm and said:" Felyna, you are everything man can dream of: beautiful, graceful, well-manner, intelligent and spirited. I want you to stand on my side and face with me all the sunny days and stormy days life throws on our way. I promise to love, honour and respect you, I promise to cherish you and provide for you and all the children you may give to me. I offer you a place at my side and a place in my heart. Will you accept it?"
The Hallmaster's eyes, as well as those of the onlookers, all turned to Felyna. "Do you accept his mark and his promises? If you do, tell him so now."
She took the mark from him gently. "I do accept your promises, with all my heart. I will stand beside you for all the rest of our lives gladly." For that moment, she forgot everything she had done or planned to get to this place. For that moment, she was just a woman, marrying a man, and emotion shone bright in her eyes. It might not
have been love, but it was the beginnings of a warmth that could easily turn into love, with the right care.
"Felyna has accepted Corowal's gesture and you have sealed your bond in front of friends and family for all the world to see. From this moment forth, let you not walk through life as individuals, but as man and wife. Lord Corowal, you may kiss your new Lady," the Hallmaster smiled, taking a respectful step back and surrendering the stage to the happy couple.
Corowal stepped closer to her, wrapped an arm around her slender waist and pulled her to a kiss, that was certainly not chaste nor proper. The audience applauded and cheered loudly.
Last updated on the May 5th 2009