Wedding Day in Arnor

You finally arrive at the end of the path and emerge into a small grove.

Sacred Grove

This cool, narrow path of flat stones and damp earth winds up, down and around through the ancient trees, so tall and thick that you cannot see the tops of them or where the path leads until it broadens out into a wider, level walkway through a clearing among the gigantic trees. You stand in a garden of well kept shrubs and flowers that bloom with color when the season is right. Scattered along the outside of the now circular walkway, perhaps fifty paces in diameter, are small cleared areas with simple stone monuments, sometimes five or more to a clearing. Each monument bears the name of a deceased Arnorian, man, woman, or child, and sometimes a motto or prayer, or just a simple verse of farewell to a loved one.

Inside the circular path is a huge granite boulder, shining white in the sun, with steps built of smaller stones leading to a flat wooden platform built atop it. Around the boulder are stone benches arranged in a circle.

To the north, through the treetops a thin waterfall can be seen drifting down hundreds of feet from the cliffs above. A little used, steep and narrow path can be seen winding its way through the massive trees in tight switchbacks up the hillside.

The wind sighs through the walls of ancient evergreen boughs that ring thisclearing, making a barely audible, but powerful sound as if ancient and mysterious spirits watch over this place. During the day the sun shines down and warms the rocks and earth here, even on the coldest days of winter.

Night, when it falls, covers and protects this grove as a thick blanket does a weary traveler.

Contents:

Taurion

Gairus

Arantaur

Rhys

Csorin

Obvious exits:

Steep Path leads to By the Waterfall.

Hill Path leads to Hill Path.

Csorin stands upon the platform near the center of the grove. There a lit candle sits, burning quietly and solemnly, with it's own beauty, in the early hours of dawn, the new light reflecting upon the white candle. Near that candle lie two wreaths made of lilies, sized to fit upon the heads of the two who are soon to be united here this day.  The wiseman looks out towards the others, waiting for their command that all the guests who are to come are here, and that they are ready to begin. His hair blows slightly in the early morning breeze, swinging against his cloak as he stands there.

Nikala quietly enters the grove from the path.

Brigala walks up the path on her brother's arm, carefully keeping in step with Gairus. She silently scans the grove, taking note of those present.

Rhys, Arantaur, and Csorin wait atop the platform in the center of the grove. Rhys keeps his eyes on his hands folded before him, trying to control, his nervousness.

Arantaur stands to one side of the platform with his brother Rhys and watches his bride enter. A smile crosses his face as he looks to his brother and notes his nervousness, nudging him slightly.

Slow step, pause. Slow step, pause. Gairus leads his sister in with a very solemn manner, his tall form straight and proud, with his unoccupied hand resting lightly atop the hand of Brigala's which is slipped through his arm. His dark boots scuffle against the ground, but he makes no other sound besides.

Walking ahead of the bride-to-be and her escorting brother, Taurion strides into the grove with due solemnity. He pauses as he sees those on the platform ahead, and raises his voice. As a clear horn on a crisp autumn morn, the younger man announces, "Lords and loved ones! It is my great pleasure and honor to announce the glad arrival! Please welcome and open your hearts to the Lady Brigala."

Rhys gives a small start at his brother's subtle nudge and looks up. The expression on his face turns to complete enchantment as he sees Brigala for the first time in her elven crafted wedding dress.

BRIGALA:

A garland of white flowers graces this maiden's dark brown hair, contrasting nicely with her loose, shoulder-length curls. Round, gray eyes sparkle cheerily from beneath long, dark lashes, complementing the rosiness of her cheeks and lips. She holds her slightly squared chin high; an engaging smile adorns her full lips.
A small silver pendant in the shape of a seven-rayed star hangs upon a white cord against the tanned skin of the maiden's throat. Her strong shoulders are covered with a translucent white cape, fastened on each side to the delicate silver chains which form the straps to her white dress. The dress itself is simple in design, cut to a reasonably modest line at the chest in front, and slung low in drapes of fabric in back down to her waist. The smooth skin and strong muscles of her back are easily visible through the gauze cape, an ethereal mist floating all about her. The gown's skirt is pure white, a silken lily flaring outward from her slender hips to the petal-like curves which swirl about her firm calves. A silver aura seems to emanate from the gown, as if the maiden had materialized from an Eldarin fantasy. The garment is fitted to the maiden's athletic shape in such a way as to display her sculpted figure yet allow easy, free movement. The tenderest touch of a breeze stirs the lily's petals, causing the silk to whisper against her ankles above soft slippers of white leather.

Silent and stealthy, Nikala belatedly joins the wedding crowd. She hangs at the back, a flurry of emotions crossing her pale face as she watches the ceremony.

With barely controlled excitement, Taurion ends his proclamation by stepping from the path that his sister and brother will tread. He looks upon the woman with loving wonder.

Csorin makes a sideward glance towards Rhys, and notices in him the same nervousness as before. He suppresses a chuckle at this, the man who could face such odds in battle, and win, and yet now stands nervously in the shadow of love. Oh, how strange the world is in this day, how strange the psychology of the mind, and how much power lies in this love we feel.  Looking back towards the others, he smiles at Taurion's words, and then he himself speaks. "Yes, we have gathered here for a well known reason, today, my friends. The wedding of two of our own, Rhys and Brigala, in the light of the Western lords who watch over Middle Earth even in darkness. But this is surely a glad time! Be happy, and rejoice in the happiness that shall come of these two!"

Brigala notices Rhys looking at her, and blushes slightly as she returns his gaze. She smiles radiantly as she approaches the platform step by step.

Rhys cannot take his eyes off his bride. Her loveliness seems hypnotic to him. His nervousness subsides a bit as a smile spreads across his face and lights his eyes.

Rhys glances about the clearing for the first time and notices the guests. He nods with mild surprise to Lord Gildor, feeling honored indeed that the Eldar king would grace the ceremony with his presence.

A light seems to shine from the groom and his bride, or, so it seems to Arantaur. He watches them beaming himself with pride for his brother and his happiness. He stands next to his brother in this as in all else especially in this moment of trial, well remembering his own wedding.

Csorin turns around to the table behind him, and takes one of the wreaths in his hands, placing it in the hands of Rhys. "Wear this to symbolize to beauty and love that is born during this day." He turns and takes up the other wreath, and holds his hands outward towards Brigala, gesturing her to come forward with this. "And this for you, Lady Brigala, in the same honor and joy with which Rhys wears these lilies."

Stepping into the grove uncharacteristically slightly late, the regal figure of Gildor emerges from the tree's. The dust clinging to the bottom of his cloak hints at recent and long travel, yet his smile is light and refreshing. The Noldo nods slightly in return to Rhys gesture, but otherwise is silent, staying near the trees.

Brigala ascends the steps of the platform with Gairus, taking her place across from Rhys. She continues to smile at him as she accepts the wreath of flowers. "Thank you, Csorin," she says in a near-whisper.

Rhys takes the wreath from the Wiseman and places it upon his own head, still speechless and unable to turn his eyes from Brigala's beauty.

RHYS:

This man is tall and well muscled, but lean. His gray eyes stand out against his tanned and weathered skin and dark, unruly hair, which falls in windblown waves to his shoulders. His features are straight and finely chiseled as if from smooth stone. He wears heavy pants of light brown and a thick woven shirt of dark green. Over this is a fur cloak of wolf pelts with the fur lined hood thrown back. His boots are brown leather, freshly scrubbed and polished that cover his legs to the knee. His only ornament is a battered but brightly polished metal buckle in the shape of a seven rayed star on the baldric which crosses his chest under the cloak. The baldric holds a battered leather sheath, from which protrudes the steel hilt and ebon wooden grip of a well cared for longsword. A pair of soft leather gloves is tucked into his wide, leather belt.

Nikala tilts her head curiously at Rhys' nod and turns around to see who that nod was directed at. Surprise registers on her features, then she inclines her head towards the elf, offering him the respect that he deserves.

As the two pass by him, Taurion turns back toward the platform and the unfolding ceremony. He moves slowly toward the others gathered, sharing a smile or a soft word of joy with the many well-wishers about.

Csorin looks around the grove, and gazes upon the guests. "Welcome all, and thank you for your coming here today, to this northern land, unseen by most eyes in Middle Earth. And even moreso at this early hour, when the light of the Valar begins its ascent into the sky. We are here now to witness the birth of a joyous and blessed union. The holy marriage of Rhys and Brigala, two Dunedain, whose love has come to be, and now is sealed by their vows of faith and eternal love."

Rhys nods at Csorin's words and then looks back to Brigala, smiling.

Csorin says, "And today these two come forth to make this union known. They come forth to let those of the West, who watch us always, show their approval of this love. Of their joy in this union of two pure souls, of two Dunedain, whose love will last as long as they breathe the air of this realm, as long as their hearts beat, and as long as love may last."

He looks around again after this short speech, and then from Brigala to Rhys, and begins speaking again. "And now they shall exchange their vows, which each have written, to perfect this union of love with the true words of their heart." The Dunadan steps back and gestures towards Rhys to speak."

Brigala watches Rhys with a smile she can hardly contain, her eyes locked on his as he prepares to speak.
The gray eyes of Arantaur watch the Noldor enter and he smiles broadly to his friend Gildor. He acts more serious straight-away and pays close attention to the ceremony.

Rhys steps forward and for the first time touches Brigala, taking her hand in his and gazing steadily into her eyes. His voice begins softly, but builds in volume as his heart takes command of his tongue.

Rhys speaks...

Beloved, from my earliest days I was shaped and molded for a solitary life of hardship. I fully expected to remain alone, with only duty and honor as lifelong companions.

Gairus folds his arms behind his back, standing straight as the vows are spoken. His eyes gaze at first toward Rhys, then to Brigala. His entire body is still, though the dark edges of his cloak flap gently against the sides of his legs.

Rhys pauses briefly remembering what he has written.

Duty brought us together, and duty at first dictated that I keep my distance. I saw from a distance your strength of character and your loyalty, your dedication and your bravery, your beauty and your purity of heart.

Taurion hushes his soft words to a nearby friend, and turns his twilight-gray eyes toward the celebrants as the Kaano begins his vows. The young man's heart springs with the perfect energy of the moment, and he bends his eyes lovingly again upon his sister.

Rhys squeezes Brigala's hand gently as he goes on.

But distance and duty are no match for love. I fell deeply in love with you, and when the time came you melted my heart with a simple kiss.
You have given my life new and higher purpose. All that I possess, my love, my fortune, and my life I share with you from this day forward.

Csorin clasps his hands behind his back as Rhys speaks, his words so full of emotion, as to almost bring tears to the Dunadan's eyes.

Rhys's eyes brim with moisture as he speaks, though not a tear escapes.

The breeze ruffles Brigala's cape as she stands straight and strong, listening to Rhys. A smile appears on her lips as he mentions their first kiss, but the only movement about her is the misty swirling of her cape.

Rhys speaks...

I will keep you safe, honor you, and provide for you. I will share your joys and sorrows. I will love you and you alone, and give to you my life, my honor, and my heart forever more. This I promise you before all of our kinsmen, and all of the powers that may be.

Rhys releases Brigala's hand and bows his head as he waits.

Csorin waits a moment, before stepping forward once more, and gesturing towards Brigala to come forward, and speak her vows to Rhys now. He does not speak.

Brigala nods to Csorin and takes a slow, deep breath as she prepares to speak. Her white cape drifts almost weightlessly in the gentle breeze as she stands tall and sturdy on the platform. "Several years ago, I chose to travel down a path which I believed would be inconsistent with love, or marriage, or a family. I believed that I had no room in my life for a husband. Many people have tried to convince me that I was giving up something valuable, but I did not believe them." She pauses to take a breath, and smiles calmly at Rhys.

Rhys looks up and into Brigala's eyes as she speaks.

Nikala stands as still as stone, the breeze whipping her skirt about her motionless body. She takes a deep breath, steeling herself, fighting back her own tears, though for a wholly different reason.

"You are the first to show me what I nearly gave up, Rhys," Brigala continues. "I am in your debt for that. You have made my life complete in a way I did not know was possible. My life now belongs to you. I will follow you into darkness and into light. I will fight by your side, and watch your back in times of danger. In moments of peace, I will share your joys and your laughter. I will be your servant, your protector, and your partner each day until I have given up my last breath." As she finishes, Brigala's expression is solemn - yet the sparkle of joy and anticipation never leaves her eye.

Rhys's eyes never leave his beloved's face as she speaks, and as she finishes he smiles lovingly at her. He nods his head in affirmation of all that the two have pledged this day.

Csorin sighs at the words of Brigala, looking towards the ground and wiping a tear from his eye. He then looks up once more with a solemn gaze, his eyes falling upon Gairus. "If you would bring the bride forward, so the two may join hands." Csorin looks towards Rhys and Arantaur, nodding as a sign that it is time for the ring. "And then the bride and groom may exchange rings, the eternal symbols of their love and devotion." The Dunadan steps back once more to make room for the others to stand together.

Gairus moves silently, with the edges of his mouth forming the slightest of smiles. A large, callused hand reaches towards Brigala's as the Ranger glances to his sister. As he does so, Gairus takes a half-step toward the groom, leading the bride with him.

Holding up a small, white, oak box that none really noticed before though he held it all the while he was standing there, Arantaur opens it and draws forth a simple golden ring. Though unadorned with stone, it shines magnificently. He places it in Rhys' palm with an affirming smile to both him and the Lady Brigala before he scans the crowd again and turns back to the ceremony.

Rhys takes a small step forward, glancing sidelong at his brother and holds out his left hand to him as he takes Brigala's left hand in his right.

Brigala steps forward with her brother, giving his hand a gentle squeeze before releasing it to place her hand in Rhys' grasp. She gives her beloved a tender smile and takes a deep breath.

Rhys slips the ring slowly onto the left index finger of his beloved. "This ring," he says, "being a circle without beginning or end, symbolizes the eternal nature of my love for you. I take you, Brigala, as my wife forever more."

Csorin looks from Rhys to Brigala, and nods to Gairus, signaling him to bring forth the ring.

Gairus allows his own hands to vanish within the darkness of his long mantle, waiting a short moment before removing a thin maple box from its folds. As Rhys speaks, Gairus holds the miniature chest closed, waiting with it in his hands.

Brigala turns to her brother and holds out her hand to take the ring.

The maple box opens smoothly, revealing a light gold ring within. Gairus' fingers gently pick up the thing before he turns, looking to Brigala. A second passes, which contains a thin smile from brother to sister, before the ring passes from the Ranger's hand to the bride's.

Brigala takes the ring from Gairus, and slips it slowly onto the finger of her betrothed. "This ring," she says with a touch of shakiness in her voice, "being a circle without beginning or end, symbolizes the eternal nature of my love for you. I take you, Rhys, as my husband forever more."

Csorin turns as the two finish speaking, and picks up the candle burning behind him, a tall, slender, white stick with a flame atop. As he looks back to the crowd, he holds the candle out, and says, "May this candle signify your love, an eternal flame, burning forever, until that point which the wick runs out, signifying death. And may Mandos, even then, have the compassion to keep your love aflame, so that this fire will burn always, without resolve. The blessing of the Valar falls upon you both. In the truest love of all, that which is pure, of the heart, of the soul; that which is full of honor and joy. That which fulfills us each forever. You both are joined with the expectations of faith, which you both know. You are joined with the expectation of honor, which you both have already shown. So may all of your children bear the light of Manwe within them.  May they be blessed by Yavanna in her true love, as the two of you are united here today. And so, I bid you take this candle, and make the final seal of your love, with but a simple kiss, as when you first knew love of each other."

As Csorin speaks, the first rays of the morning sun slant down through the evergreens glancing off the shiny metal of the rings, the polished leather, and the glistening moisture in many an eye. Rhys takes the burning candle and places it in Brigala's hand, covering it with his own and holding it high as he leans down to circle her waist with his free arm and kiss her long and tenderly.

Brigala carefully holds the candle with Rhys, tilting her head back to return his kiss. She reaches her other arm up over his shoulders, holding him close as she rises up on her toes so she can reach him better.

Wiping a tear-streak from his cheek, and blinking against others, Taurion smiles proudly as Brigala and Rhys finalize their bonding. He nods slowly at the words of the Wiseman, the ancient bond between his kindred and the powers of the furthest west stirring still within him. Grinning broadly then as the two kiss, the youngest sibling of the bride can contain himself no longer, and claps loudly, "Huzzah! Best fortune my sister, and sister-husband!"

Csorin smiles as he watches the two of them kiss. He then turns towards the crowd, and the three standing near the podium. "And so it is done. The ceremony is complete, and these two are united in love and honor. I bid you all join us in the Meeting Hall for a reception in their honor. There will, of course, be food and drink for your pleasure, and the joy of joining in the happiness of the day! Thanks to you all, once again, on both my behalf and, I'm sure, the behalves of these two." He glances to Rhys and Brigala. "For joining us this morning." He then looks towards the sky, finished speaking, and sighs as earlier, in both happiness and with the feeling of another memory passed.

Arantaur claps a hand on the back of Brigala and his brother, a broad smile upon his face as he says warmly, "A hearty congratulations brother....and....sister," he says turning to her. "I wish you both the best of luck," he chuckles before leaning closer to Brigala and saying, "Because m'lady, you are going to need all of it."
Arantaur winks to his brother.

Csorin grins at Arantaur's words, and laughs. "Aye, I must agree with Arantaur on that count."

Rhys breaks the kiss and turns to face the crowd with his arm still around Brigala's waist and her hand still in his, holding the lit candle. In a booming voice he announces, "Yes, please join my beloved and I in the village to enjoy our hospitality and the merriment of this joyous day for as long as ye may like."

Brigala laughs, as she allows Arantaur to interrupt her kiss and Rhys releases her. She turns to her newest brother and throws her arms around his neck, giving him a brief, but full kiss on the lips before he has a chance to protest.

The rarest of smiles graces Nikala's lips. The woman watches the happy couple from afar, then the smile fades and she turns to go, not much for celebrations or parties.

Gairus stands back from the two, returning the small maple ring-box under the darkness of his cloak. He smiles again, slowly, as the two kiss and nods his head slightly with their invitation to merriment. He raises a hand to his head, brushing long hair back behind his ear, and looks out to the crowd.

Rhys laughs heartily at his bride's ambush of his brother and turns to take Gairus' hand. "Thank you for your good wishes and for trusting me to love your beautiful sister."

Rhys turns to Csorin, "A grand ceremony it was, something to remember for a lifetime. Thank you, my wise old friend."

Arantaur is taken by surprise and stunned by the kiss, which, he just stands there for, a sort of target for the woman. After she releases him, the Knight is stunned a moment before he can say to Rhys, "Brother, if you survive your honeymoon, tis because the Valar smile upon you and no other reason." He scratches his head, still a little shocked.

Taurion moves forward through the gathering as the ceremony comes to an end, eager to express his joy to the newly joined couple. He mounts the short stair to the platform then, barely able to wait until his sister turns about.

Csorin nods silently at Rhys' words. "Thank you, friend. I am only glad I was given the honor of presiding over the union of the two of you, my kinsmen and close friends..."

Gairus bows his head towards Rhys, and places a hand on the other's shoulder. "I trust you as always, Kaano. Just as I am sure my sister Brigala will love you as fully as you do her. Now, go and be merry. I wish you both nothing less than what the Valar would grant you." He pats the shoulder lightly, and smiles more broadly than before.

Brigala chuckles, and leans back against her husband's chest. "I will try to be gentle with him," she promises teasingly. Catching sight of her younger brother out of the corner of her eye, she turns to Taurion and gives him a warm hug. "Thank you for coming," she says sincerely as she holds him in her embrace for a moment.

Rhys laughs freely at his brother's discomposure. "Life with my love here is not for the faint of heart. She is a strong willed lady and I'll never attempt to control her...only love her. Now as the groom's brother it is your responsibility to go and prepare the hall for the celebration."

Gildor smiles warmly at the pair, but remains as inconspicuously towards the edge of the clearing as possible in his own private thoughts. His face speaks of both happiness as well as well as distant memories.

Rhys takes Brigala's hand and leads her down the stairs to greet the crowd and accept their congratulations.

Csorin follows the newlyweds down the steps to the grass of the grove, and quietly slips past the crowd, and away from the scene, without any explanation. Apparently he feels his task here is done.

Rhys peers over the heads of the crowd as they descend the stairs, looking in the direction of Lord Gildor.

Arantaur steps off the platform, his cloak flowing behind him as he walks swiftly towards the trail. He is full of merriment and mirth as he heads of and disappears down the trail.
Returning his sister's embrace with adoration, and yet careful not to muss the intricacies of her dress overmuch, Taurion laughs, and murmurs into her ear, "May the fortune of the West be upon you and your mate, sister. I wish you every happiness."

Brigala allows herself to be pulled from her brother, following after Rhys with steps more like skipping than walking.

Taurion smiles at his elder brother then, as the bride and groom descend toward the rest of the gathering. He sighs merrily, "A splendid job, my brother," clapping the other on the arm. "Ahh, but my heart races with joy at this sight."

Nikala begins to walk away from the festivities, only the rustling of her skirt signaling her silent departure.

Rhys leads Brigala through the crowd, laughing and accepting good wishes here and there. At length they approach the spot where Gildor stands. "We are honored that you came, my Lord."

Noting the approach of the newlywed pair, Gildor chuckles, then grins at Rhys words. "It has been long since I have attended any marriage...but I am glad that I could attend yours. You two make a splendid couple and I am quite happy for you." he replies, softspokenly.

Gairus exhales with a low chuckle as Taurion approaches. "Indeed, brother. Though I have no doubt that the pair will only grow prosperous. Though I wonder if Kaano Rhys will allow

Brigala to continue her travels after this..." the comment trails off, and Gairus scratches the underside of his jaw, watching the couple. "Soon we shall have to marry you off as well, no?"

Rhys nods and smiles to Gildor, "Your presence made this special day all the more special. Thank you again."

Brigala smiles her agreement with Rhys. "Aye, I was afraid you might not make it," she says softly, "But I am very glad you did. I hope you will join us for the feast prepared for the occasion."

Gildor nods, offering his hand to the man. "I am glad and honored that my presence could do that. And having made the journey at so learly an hour, I think attending the feast is as much a necessity as a privilege." he adds a slight wink to the end of his last statement.

The wide smile on Taurion's face is muted greatly by his brother's last words, and he snorts softly, looking back again toward the couple as they speak with the elven lord that he has just now noticed. "There are none who have stirred me as our sister has done the Kaano, Gairus - of that you are well aware." He grins again, though, nudges his brother toward the stair from the platform, "But I am open to suggestions, if they are suitable."

Rhys takes Gildor's proffered hand and says, "And more than welcome then to our humble hospitality, my lord."

Brigala laughs. "Why do we linger here, then, keeping our guest from his meal?" she asks. "Come, I have not yet eaten this morning either. And though I am not sure my stomach will handle food yet today, I could use some wine."

Gairus laughs outright, and shakes his head. "I have none, brother! Or else you would see me becoming a bridegroom ere long. Though, should I spot a maiden taking you for her fancy, I will not be idle in alerting you to the fact." He grins slyly, and shakes his head with laughter. "We shall see..."

Gildor inclines his head from the clearing slightly. "If you will only lead the way" he intones with a slight smile, stepping back to better allow the newlyweds to pass.

Rhys and Brigala weave through the crowd, accepting best wishes and leading the way toward the village and the party.

[The End of the Wedding]

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