Gaea and Vanidaar helped urge the Starfist family forward.
Sarai fell back to climb the steps with him as the ceremony called for them to proceed up last.
Sarai rolled her eyes.
She hugged his arm.
Bannor felt his chest tighten as he stepped into the chapel of purification. Garlands of flowers had been strung overhead, the blossoms giving off a sweet pleasant redolence. The topmost tier was a natural amphitheatre in the mountainside about thirty paces across with a large overhang that provided shade. Spring water ran through clefts and hollows in the rocks forming a small waterfall that emptied into a shallow basin around a pace deep. Over time water had exposed mineral and crystal deposits that when hit by sunlight caused a rainbow of colors to shine and spark on the surface of the pool.
The natural formations had been left untouched by the elf crafters, but many places throughout the ceremonial location, carvings and frescos enhanced the natural beauty of the place. Steps had been carved into near and far sides of the pool and a stone podium had been placed on the far side where the ritual priest would perform the binding.
He and Sarai paused behind the group as they gathered around the steps leading into the purification pool. A dozen members of the wedding staff came up the stairs behind them, taking away the priceless robes and cloaks worn by the royal family. He and Laramis were coaxed out of their jackets leaving them standing on the stage skin bare to the cool mists churned out by the waterfalls.
Bannor heard the audience murmuring and he glanced back feeling his cheeks warm.
Laramis rubbed his chest, obviously not embarrassed even in front of the huge crowd. “Bully, the mist feels good.”
Sarai looked over at him and grinned.
He raised an eyebrow.
He looked over toward his family. His sister Ravan was staring at him. She wasn’t looking into his eyes though. He focused down and realized what she was staring at. The scar from where Odin’s spear pierced him through from the back. Even though his body had been completely remade, the stain of that wound remained on his tao. No matter what shape he took, the shadow of that scar eventually reappeared. It was a curse and a powerful one. The old bastard never wanted him forget. He wouldn’t. He didn’t need some phantom scar to remind him of the treachery of the pantheon lords and Odin in particular. He waved a hand at Ravan causing her to raise her gaze to meet his. He couldn’t know for certain what she was thinking, but he imagined that she felt guilty for not being in his life. Throughout their childhood she had wanted to protect him, but he never let her. They parted ways with her never being able to stand up for him the way she wanted. Perhaps now they would have a second chance to put things right.
The maids and stewards finished their tasks and made their way back down the steps.
“Leave us begin,” Gaea echoed. “With this magic I prepare each of us for witnessing the purification and final devotions.” She raised her hands and blue mist started at her feet and rose up her body transforming her clothing into a heavy opaque white robe.
The all-mother repeated this process on each member of the wedding party. He kept his gaze on his parents as each braced for their turn. Except for Ravan’s daughter they all looked extremely relieved it was over. His sister’s little girl was fascinated by it all, her blue eyes wide with interest and awe.
Gaea gestured to him, the magic wafting over his body in a warm caress. White cloth folded out of nothingness to wrap around his body. He watched as white robes appeared around Sarai and then Laramis.
With everyone properly attired it was time for the special guest priestess to make her entrance. Because of the circumstances of the last few moons Kalindinai had made arrangements for a special priestess to do these particular marriage devotions.
In a flare of lightning and crash of thunder that startled everyone including him, the priestess appeared. Dressed in shiny metallic golden robes, rainbow wings sparkling and upraised was Megan Vinax, leader of the Shael Dal, and high priestess of Eternity.
A stir went through the audience. This was unexpected, as usually a priest of Carellion would perform the final devotions. That was before the royal family was on a first name basis with blood relatives of the pantheon lord Carellion himself.
Still, no one could fault Megan for not being impressive; the wings, the flowing blonde hair and glowing aura of strength and benevolence. She was a high justicar bonded to the most powerful holy warrior in Eternity. There were few whose blessing and well wishes that would mean more to him or Sarai.
Crystal blue eyes shining, Megan swung her gaze over the wedding party gathered around the pool. She smiled and held out her hands and spoke with a natural leader’s powerful voice. “Family, friends, allies and neighbors—we are gathered here today to honor and witness the union of two spirits.” She leaned forward and placed her hands on the stone podium, her already strong voice echoing through the stone chamber. “This ritual does not mark the beginning of a journey, but is instead merely a milestone in a love well tested and tempered in the fires of conflict. We are not here to prove or affirm the devotion of Bannor and Sarai, but recognize and celebrate a truly special bond that will only grow stronger in the days henceforth.”
Bannor felt a pang in his chest and a tightness in his throat. Megan’s words were cogent and heartfelt. They were not the words of some stranger but a dear and admirable commander, friend, and sibling. Kalindinai had chosen the perfect person. He looked to Sarai. His wife-to-be’s eyes were misty, obviously she felt Megan’s sincerity and acceptance as he did.
Megan gestured to him. “Kul’Praelor Bannor Nalthane Starfist.” With her other hand she indicated Sarai. “Arminwen Sarai T’Evagduran. Step forth into the water and stand to center so we all might be a part of this communion.”
He squeezed her hand pushed toward the water. Together they descended into the chilly pool, the temperature just low enough to make one twitch. They paused three steps down and caught their breath. After being in the sun all morning the cold caress around his legs and the mist pouring down felt good.
With the heavy robes soaking up the water and the current swirling in the basin they needed to take care as they made their way to the center where the depth came up to Sarai’s chest.
“Whoo,” Sarai said aloud, smiling.
“Wakes you up doesn’t it,” he responded.
Megan gestured. “Will the party for the bride please enter to the left.”
The King and Queen, Ryelle, Janai, and Vanidaar made their way into the water. Kalindinai and Jhaan wore serious expressions as they forged to their positions. Though they weren’t openly smiling, Bannor could feel his parent’s-to-be were happy. Everything they had planned had turned out well.
“Will the party for the groom enter to the right,” Megan requested.
Faces solemn, Khendar and Kiranna Starfist made their way to the water followed by Ravan, her child, Gaea and Laramis.
As Ravan and her child took their positions, Bannor noticed that the girl had a death grip on her mother’s hand, silently and valiantly struggling with the depth that came up past her chin. Gaea leaned in close and whispered something in her ear. The blond child had a perplexed look on her face for moment, then wonderment as the stone under her feet pushed up a hand-span leaving her with a comfortable place to stand. She bounced and grinned at Gaea.
Bannor
had to smile. Next to him, Sarai was also enjoying the brief interplay. No doubt imagining as he did what it would be like to have a little girl of their own.
Megan came from around the podium and descended into the water, the light from her wings and hair making the water glow and sparkle around her. She stopped a pace from Bannor and Sarai.
The air-maiden pressed her hands together, and looked left and right as she spoke. “This is a ritual of cleansing. It invites the bride and groom and their families, to wash away the stigmas of the past and begin anew. It invites learning from our mistakes. It invites casting out hard feelings, self-doubt, and regret. It asks all of us, not just Bannor and Sarai, to be enriched and grow stronger from this union. Let each of us find guidance and strength in our ability to love and be loved. As the water surrounds us, so can love, and like water, love can wash away the stains of pain and unhappiness.”
Megan reached down and gathered water in her cupped hands. “Now, leave us cleanse our minds.” She raised her hands and emptied her palms over her head, letting the crystalline water flow down over her hair and face. As everyone followed suit, she cupped up another double handful. “Let us wash away bias from our sight.” She splashed the water over her eyes and let it run down her face. “Let our hearts be freed from shadow.” Megan cast water on her chest. “And let purity join with us.” She gestured and a large golden chalice appeared in her hand. Filling the cup, she sipped from it and passed it to the King on her right, who sipped and passed it to his wife.
The air maiden continued to speak as the cup was passed around. “Love, like water, is life. Without it, we grow weak. Yet, there are those who try to live without its embrace, and even believe it makes a spirit feeble. They simply have not experienced true unity.”
His mother sipped from the cup and came forward to pass it to him. He accepted chalice from her. As she drew back he took her hand, and gave it a gentle pressure. “Thank you, Mother,” he whispered. “Thank you for coming.”
Kiranna blushed and nodded, she started to say something but seemed to think better of it in the middle of the ceremony.
Bannor took a big hit from the cup, letting the cool water slide down his throat. It was more than welcome with all the events of this day. He turned and handed the cup to Sarai who also took a long drink.
His wife-to-be passed it back to Megan who accepted it with a nod. The priestess gestured and the cup vanished. The air maiden let out a breath, and turned to King T’Evagduran. “Does the party of the bride still accept this groom and entrust her to his support and care?”
Jhaan glanced to Kalindinai who smiled. He bowed his head. “We do.”
Megan looked to Khendar Starfist. “Does the party of the groom still accept this bride and commend her to be the mother of his children and the guardian of their hearth?”
Bannor’s father looked over at Sarai. They had only met a fraction of a bell ago. What little he knew of her would be from Kalindinai and Gaea. Of course, knowing Kalindinai might be all one needed to know, for good or bad, about Sarai.
“We do,” Khendar said in firm voice.
Megan turned them and gestured them together. “Bannor and Sarai, join hands.”
He raised his hands and laced his fingers with hers. He gazed into her violet eyes feeling light-headed and dizzy. They had come so far to reach this moment.
“Marriage is many things,” Megan said, looking between them. “Among them, it is a journey. It is a pilgrimage of discovery, one that tests us and invites us to grow as we learn things about ourselves and our mates.”
He felt Sarai’s hand tighten in his. They had already learned a great deal about themselves and each other.
“…Marriage is also a partnership, two lovers joining forces to prosper in the theatre of life. Most significant though, marriage is a covenant. It is a promise of unconditional acceptance, a promise of strength in trying times, and an oath of fidelity. Let us all wish Bannor and Sarai well as they take their first steps in married life, and remember everything this ceremony represents.”
Megan reached out and put her hands around their meshed fingers. He felt the air-maiden’s strength as she bowed her head. She drew a breath and smiled for them, blue eyes sparkling. “The nuptial oaths are the most sacred of all agreements. They are promises of the highest merit and the deepest commitment, and are in no way subject to petty interpretations or deflection.” Megan turned to him, eyes now fierce and voice hard. “Bannor, are you prepared to speak your oath, though it bind you now and for all eternity?”
“I am.”
Her gaze snapped to his wife-to-be. “Sarai, are you prepared to speak your oath, though it bind you now and for all eternity?”
“I am.”
“So be it,” Megan intoned. “As an agent for Eternity and lawfully empowered executor for the sovereign nation of Malan, I stand ready to witness and codify these binding oaths.” She removed her hands and turned her palms up. In a flare of light, a ring appeared in each of her palms. Bannor panicked for an instant and then realized it was indeed the ring that he was prepared to give Sarai.
“Matrimonial rings are emblems representing many things,” Megan said. “The depth and breadth of those meanings is unique to each spouse. Let your band be the first token of a love that will grow stronger forever more.” She paused looking between them and smiling. “Bannor, take your ring and pronounce your oath before the eyes of your wife-to-be, these friends, and Eternity itself.”
Looking into his face, eyes shining with expectation, Sarai let go of his hands. So many things were going through him. It was hard to think much less move.
With a slow care, he gathered the ring out of Megan’s palm, took Sarai’s shaking hand and slid the ring onto her finger. He swallowed again, feeling like he would explode. “S-Sarai,” he said, pausing to get the words out. “I, Bannor Starfist, promise to cherish, honor and respect you. To defend you from harm, be your strength, and your loyal loving confidant for as long as we both shall live.”
He let out a breath. It felt like he had run half way across Malan. Sarai’s eyes glistened, and her cheeks were flush and she bit her lip.
Megan looked to his wife-to-be. “Sarai, take your ring and pronounce your oath before the eyes of your husband-to-be, these friends, and Eternity itself.”
Sarai took the ring from Megan and reached for his hand. Her fingers trembled as she pushed the band onto his finger, and raised her eyes to meet his. She smiled. “Bannor, I, Sarai T’Evagduran promise to treasure, respect, and trust you. I will stand at your shoulder in peace and in war, bear your children, and protect your secrets for as long as we both shall live.”
Megan reached out and placed a hand on each of their shoulders. “The rings have been exchanged and the vows taken. Let all bear witness and acknowledge these proceedings henceforth. By the power vested in me by Eternity and the sovereign nation of Malan, I pronounce you husband and wife!” She leaned forward. “Spouses, you may kiss.”
The crowd below them roared and applauded. The massed tension running through him seemed to vaporize into nothingness. They had done it. He leaned forward and Sarai took him around the neck. He gazed into her eyes feeling her love and warmth and gave her a kiss to last a lifetime…
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* * *
Epilogue
To me, it was as if my brother had died
and ascended to holy Valhalla itself.
Keeping company with valkyries, freyr-kin,
nature spirits and all manner of magical
creatures. I find it hard to believe it is even
him. Yet, who else would hug me so
strongly, call me sister, and apologize so
fiercely?
—Ravan Yvette Greensward-Starfist
Breathing hard, Bannor paused holding Sarai leaned back over the dance floor, her silvery hair just brushing the shiny waxed wood. The dozens of other dancers around them on the floor applauded as he pulled her up to hug his ch
est. She laughed and kissed him. She tasted good, and just to feeling her body against his made him dizzy.
The reception was every bit as gigantic and chaotic as he imagined it would be. The massive hall crammed with nobility dressed in their best finery doing their best to outshine each other. Gaea’s children, members of the Shael Dal, Felspars, and Frielos clans moved like ships cutting through turbulent seas, attracting attention and stares wherever they went. Normally, he didn’t much like parties or crowds, but tonight was special.
Sarai gave him a squeeze. Dressed in gold phoenix dinner gown, her hair flowing down over her shoulders, she was a sight to match any of the women on the floor. “That was fun, my One! I didn’t know you were such a good dancer!”
He hadn’t known it either until they had gone to the center of the dance floor to do the traditional bride and groom’s first dance. It was something they had practiced early on long before he’d gotten the quick-teach from Mercedes. At the time, they decided it was something far less important that they could “fake” their way through when the time came.
“Let’s do that again,” Sarai giggled.
“Maybe in a little while, Star.”
“Hmmm?”
He nodded to the side of the dance floor where a close to twenty ladies were already lined up, the first two being Kalindinai and Gaea. “I don’t think your father wants to be kept waiting either.” He gestured to a similar line that had formed behind the King.
She rolled her eyes and sighed. “Duty calls.” She skipped toward her father. She stopped part way and looked back. “Don’t have too much fun.”
He grinned back at her. “Yes, my Star.”
He made his way to the Queen. The matriarch of Malan was dressed in black and silver, her dark hair braided and pinned in conservative fashion. Bannor bowed and held his hand out to her in properly courtly fashion. She put her hand in his and he kissed it. “A dance pleases you, Matradomma?”
Kalindinai smiled a genuine smile and it made him realize how truly stunning the Queen of Malan was when she was happy. “It does indeed, my Son.”
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