A wedding (all rangers welcome)

[Robyn Meiers]

Timestamp: Kuras, 9th Brightening of the first cycle of Kalendryas, Winter of Era XI

The cold chill of winter was crisp in the early morning. That morning that they had set as the time for their wedding.

S'lon and Robyn had been involved in whirlwind journeys, both of them. And they had arrived at this day. As the cold winter suns rose over the people of Telath, the area was prepared. Underneath the ancient tree, where the couple would stand.

From the tree branches hung strings of tiny bells. Each one, as the wind caught it, tinkled in the morning light. Other than that, the place was bare, waiting.

As the suns rose, the anticipation grew. And then, as the time approached, the elderly elf who was overseeing the ceremony entered the area. He walked, leaning heavily on the staff that he carried, his ancient bones aching in the cold. Still, he was performing the part of his job that he loved the most, the binding of two souls, and so he moved with a happiness in his step.

The small altar was prepared, a white cloth adorning it and nothing else. The priest stood, his back straight and he heard the four musicians start to play their harps and sing their songs to the woods and the sky and the earth and the seas.

It was time.

[S'Lon]

Timestamp: Dawn, Kuras, 9th Brightening of the first cycle of Kalendryas, Winter of Era XI


The day had dawned and S'Lon had seen it arrive from its earliest flush. He had spent a sleepless night in his old room in the Ranger Hall. For some reason he was sure that it was bad luck to see the bride before the wedding, but he wasn’t sure why or even if it was an Empire custom, perhaps it was something that he had just picked up in Daltice. The night air had crept its chill way through the part open window carrying with it the muted winter scents and he had relaxed on the bed. Sleep had not wanted to come, in part because Robyn was not beside him and in part because of the thoughts about the day to come. He wanted it more than anything yet at the same time there was a niggling thread of doubt. Not doubt about marrying Robyn but about whether he was the right one for her.

As the first rays of light fingered their way through the window, he got up and looked out the window and stared out into the trees which were just emerging from the darkness and the green was now just visible, a change from the greys that had greeted his vision during infrequent trips to the window during the night.

He rubbed at his eyes and headed out of the room and down the stairs, treading quietly to avoid waking the others who had every right to their rest. Of course it was likely that many of the light sleeping rangers would awaken even to his light tread, but then again many of them would be rising shortly in any case before heading out for exercise or the range to get their daily practice in before getting on with the needs of the day.

Leaving the stairs behind him, he wandered over to the kitchen area and pulled some water off the hearth where it was heating and also proved that he wasn’t the first to be downstairs. Making a mug of tea, he wandered out of the Hall and sat with his back propped against the walls and stared into the woodland. This was his last dawn as a single man with any luck and it felt odd, so he sat their sipping his tea and tried to analyse exactly what it was that he was feeling.

[Robyn Meiers]

Dawn came early, she thought. Earlier than it should, even though she had spend the night in fitful sleeplessnes. It was the morning that she was to be married, and it had been a hard night.

She found it difficult to understand why it was that she had gotten so used to S'lon being there. She knew that she had, that at least part of her lack of sleep had been because the bed had seemed so big without him. But the rest of it? Marriage? Her. Robyn worried about what it was that she was letting him in for here.

So, she rubbed at her tired eyes and started the preparations. She was used to getting herself ready, but this brightening, of all the brightenings that she had done it, she wished for someone else. Someone who would help her.

Because her hands shook so much. She opened the wardrobe in the room she had occupied overnight in the Ranger Hall and looked at her dress. The dress.

She could do this, she knew she could. She just wished....

... but then, if wishes were fishes, she thought and chuckled. Today was the day that she would be married. And so as she heard someone tread quietly down the stairs, she got started on her make up, glad that she had time to put right any mistakes.

After all. It was not every day that a girl got married.

[Averielle]

Averielle walked up to the room that Robyn occupied. She took a deep breath, pushed aside any envies and knocked. She said through the door,"Robyn, it's Averielle. I am a friend of S’lon’s. I was wondering if you needed any help?"

[Robyn Meiers]

The young woman that answered the door looked to be a mixture of terrified and... well, actually, just terrified. Robyn's green eyes were bright with anticipation and her long red hair was freshly washed and almost dry, pulled back from her face. She looked at Averielle and smiled, although there was something in her expression that asked a question.

Friend of S'lon's? Oh.. I'm... well, I'm Robyn. I guess you already knew that

Robyn's make up was half done, although her face looked freshly washed and her eyes looked as though she had been crying.

I'm tryin' to do me make up.. but my 'ands... I can't stop shakin, see... she held up one trembling hand to show Averielle what she meant.

I'm sorry to ask you this, I mean I don't know you or nuffin, but I 'aven't got anyone 'ere. Could you 'elp me? she asked almost desperately.

She smiled again at Averielle, wondering what relationship this woman had with S'lon. She assumed that they must be rangers together or some such. She smiled gratefully at her for her kind offer of help, and she bit her lower lip as she felt the tears that had poured earlier threaten again.

I've done it like three times, now, an' I can't do it properly, cos I'm shakin, but I want 'im to be proud of me, you know? I really do. I mean, doin' this here means that all his friends, all the people like you see me, an' I want 'im to be proud. I know that he is, but I wanna feel like he should be.... oh gods, I'm sorry, I'm warblin'.... it's nice to meet you Averielle. Come on in. If you could 'elp that'd be great

She stood to one side revealing the room where, over the bed was arrayed a number of items of make up and a bowl of water.

[S'Lon]

The warmth of the tea seeped though the clay of the mug and kept the chill from his fingers as he leaned back against the rough wall of the hall, its solidity and wood providing him with some much needed reassurance. He rested the mug on his raised knees and placed his chin on the mug, savouring the heat rising out of the mug on his face.

What is going to happen today he wondered. He knew that Robyn had some big plans and he had been more than content to leave the planning and organising largely up to her. Still it felt a little strange to be at the start of the most important day of his life and yet without any clear idea about exactly what was going to happen.

He hoped that his best man was going to turn up, otherwise he could end up standing there on his own. Actually now that he thought about it he realised that he didn’t even know exactly what the ceremony involved, other than of course that a Druid was going to be there.

It also occurred to him and not for the first time that Averielle was going to be there and he wondered what she was going to make of all this after what happened in Midpoint. They hadn’t really talked about it since they had got back and certainly he hadn’t discussed the marriage with her, and come to that he hadn’t discussed Averielle with Robyn either although she knew that there were female rangers here at the Hall.

The light was now brighter and what remained of the tea was now growing cold, so he poured the remainder on the ground and pushed himself to his feet. He reckoned that there was just time now the light was stronger for a quick practice on the range and then he would need to get himself ready.

[Tev]

After S'Lon reached the Archery Range and readied himself for his first shot, Tev walked over quietly with a mug of tea and stood behind the prospective bridegroom. He waited until S'Lon let loose his first shot before he finished his tea and said, "That was good shot, particularly for someone who has more important things on his mind. However, you chose your diversion wisely. The practice will not only benefit your skill with the bow but it is a good way to take your mind off other matters and relax a bit. "

Tev set his empty cup on a stand near the firing line, He then took his bow and an arrow. After nocking the arrow and aiming, he let loose his shot at a target next to the one S'Lon was using.

Turning again to S'Lon, Tev added, "I wish you a happy wedding day. You will always remember it and I hope that you will cherish it."

[Averielle]

Averielle smiled at the young woman in front of her. She seemed nice and Averielle hoped that they might become friends. "Sure, I'd be happy to help you." Averielle walked into the room and looked down on the clutter. Thinking on how to do this Averielle asked, "Let's organize, what do we have to do today? Your dress, make-up...you need to eat, anything else? About to let Robyn answer her questions, Averielle thought of something, "I have to warn you, I can do light make-up, but if you want heavy make-up I might have some issues."

[Robyn Meiers]

Robyn smiled at Averielle as she entered the room and her face was open and delighted at the thought of someone helping her. Robyn listened to Averielle's questions and then she considered what she said.

Well, I need to my make up, my dress and veil are ready to go an I couldn't eat nuffin even if you paid me. I don't want nuffin heavy, S'lon loves me face, you know? I mean, I know 'e does, cos he's always like, tellin me, or strokin' it or something. So I don't wanna hide it, I wanna accentuate it. So light make up is good.

Robyn then moved to get her dress. She opened the door and showed Averielle the dress itself.

She pulled off her wrap, completely without shame or concern at Averielle, an almost complete stranger seeing her in her underwear... which was brief but appropriate for ones wedding day, or wedding night.

And she stepped into the dress. She stepped in and then stepped forward, for Averielle to tie up the green bodice, which laced with silver and black laces all the way up her back. It aceentuated her tiny waist and caused her to look down with a chuckle and grin at Averielle at the sight that greeted her ( wow.. look at them! They never looked that prominent before! )

Then Robyn sat and let Averielle do her make up and finally she put her long red hair into its chosen shape for the day.

Eventually, it was time, and she was ready.

****

And at the designated time, the old druid stood before the altar and waited for people to arrive. First, there would be the groom, and then, only once he was in place, would the bride arrive. It was traditional, and that was how it would be.

So he stood at the altar and waited for the groom to arrive. Him and his best man

[Myfanwy Bowyer]

Lord but she was tired, her feet were sore from walking and the soles of her shoes had holes that let the water seep through. Her hose had long since been tossed away to full of holes to even attempt to put it on again. The dress she was wearing was clean but showed threadbare patches in place and others where she had done her best to patch it. Her hair was dull and devoid of any kind of life; her eyes though still retained there blue although they showed a deep loss that was echoed by the dark circles under her eyes.

The two little girls with her were identical in every way but where their mother looked tired and worn the girls were bright and rosy cheeked. Where their mothers clothes showed a lack of money the girls were well cared for and not very old. The girls walked slowly each one holding onto their mother’s hand as they approached the Narim Rangers hall.

The place had a familiar look to it as if she had been here before. She couldn’t remember if she had been here before or not. She couldn’t recall much at all of the last eras of her life other than the two little girls at her side. Aerianna was quiet and often let her sister push her to do things. Rhianna was the more boisterous of the two and likely to be in any kind of mischief.

The tinkling of bells had the girls chattering away to each other in wonderment. All Myfanwy could see was the alter that appeared to be set for some kind of ceremony that was about to take place. She wanted to turn and run…hide from the dark shadow’s that threatened to overwhelm her but then the music started and she felt as if she had taken root…

[S'Lon]

S'Lon listened and smiled at Tev. ”Thank you for your good wishes, they mean a lot to me especially on this day of all days. I hope that you will be there with me later for it’s a special joining of families for me.” He rested the bow for a moment. ”When I came here I was all alone in Telath with no friends and no family, and then you consented to take me into the Hall. It was what I wanted more than anything and was the main reason that I made the trip here from Daltice, and since I’ve been here it’s been like having the family that I never had. I can honestly say that I’ve enjoyed every minute of my time here at the Hall and I have no regrets.”

“I have some qualms I’ll admit about how I will manage to combine both the loves of my life without losing out on either of them, and I suspect that I won’t be able to keep up my work in your leather shop for much longer.” He gave a small grimace against the necessity of it all, then grinned because his emotions were all over the place this brightening and he couldn’t stay serious for long.

”Actually, I’m surprised that I managed to hit the target at all, for my hands are shaking that much. But you are right and the familiarity and discipline have done much to divert me from my nerves.” He felt the need for a little more diversion from the day and so he resumed his practice on the range, though he knew that he needed to find his best man and then start getting ready for the guests would start to arrive soon and he ought to be there for them.

[Edilae Lakos]

Dressed in a fine royal blue satin dress Edilae made her way towards the ancient tree, taking in the simple but beautiful decorations. Edilae pondered on the day ahead. She was excited for her new friends, but also felt a little sad, at her own lack of a companion. Robyn and S'lon had been great to her, but it wasn't the same. Edilae longed to be walking along side her own love, sharing this experience together. Maybe someday her dream would come true. Maybe someday she would trust enough again to allow that sort of love into her life.

Edilae remembered back to when she had first met S'lon and contemplated breifly whether he might have been that love, but that thought was quickly ended when she met Robyn, someone she was now beginning to consider a dear friend. Edilae was never one to step in the way of a bond that had already been formed like that. She had killed those desires that night and vowed never to let her mind travel back there- Robyn and S'lon were too dear to her for that.

Edilae brushed her delicate hands across her dress, straightening out any wrinkles and found her way to a seat. She sat in anticipation, her eyes wide with excitement as she wondered how her friend Robyn was feeling and when the lucky couple would appear.

[Tev]

Tev let loose another arrow as he continued talking to S'Lon. Conversation did not distract him from Archery and it was time for S'Lon to learn how to handle the Bow well even though he is not concentrating on it fully.

"Be assured that I will there for your wedding. It is not often that the marriage of a Ranger takes place. The event is the talk of the Ranger Hall.

"You will eventually find that being a Ranger and being married will still allow you ample time for other activities. Recently the co-manager of my shop in Prime came to me seeking to run a shop. I'll let him take over the shop in Narim, thus you will be able to leave whenever you want without causing any problems. Feel free to stay on as long as you want. May I suggest that in your spare time you make some clothing for yourself and your bride. Just help yourself to three sheepskins and three cattle hides. There are patterns with which you make some attractive and useful apparel.

[Tharion]

Tharion stopped and watched the two men on the firing line. He didn't want to get to close in case he spooked one and ended up with an arrow in the chest. Tharion's beard had been freshly combed and his hair was done. Not to mention his clothes had gotten the washing they despertly needed. His axe was still at his side but atleast he looked prestenable.

"What a horride weapon," He nods down range to the target. "Look its still in one piece." Tharion dreaded weddings. So long and drawn out. Filled with emotions of love and stuff that Tharion never truly cared about. All the people crying, from the emotions of joy. Of course the men never cried usually because they'd be losing a drinking partner. None the less Tharion showed up to show is support for S'lon.

"So it comes to this day, It's going to be one to remember"

[S'Lon]

S'Lon nodded as Tev spoke and tried to continue with the archery practice as he listened and then replied and in this he followed the example that Tev had given.

”Thank you, I greatly appreciate both your presence and your kind gift. I will stay there as long as I am able, as it’s a skill that I am determined to master to as good a level as I can.” He fired another arrow down the range, and in an odd way his accuracy was not much worse than unusual for although he was distracted he was also not as tense with concentration and so the effects balanced out somewhat.

Out of the corner of his eye he saw Tharion approaching and he grinned at the comment. One thing that he could always be sure about was Tharions attitude to any weapon other than his beloved axe.

”Welcome Tharion,” he replied with a grin. ”Indeed the target is still there, but on the other hand I don’t think that I could throw that axe of yours quite that far. But to more serious matters, yes the day is here at last. Sometimes is seemed that it would never arrive and yet it has still arrived before I am truly ready for it, the ceremony that is not the wedding,” he qualified in case anyone could be in doubt about his commitment.

”I’m sure that I can count on your support later Tharion, I’m sure I will need at least one companion who will remain steady by my side.” His grin grew broader as he remembered Tharion had on at least one occasion not been steady at his side but instead been on quite the other side, including attacking him with that axe on his.

He continued his practice for a short while, supported by the comradeship of those that he liked to consider friends.


*********

Some time later he exited from the Hall and wandered towards the place where he was to get married. It was still a little before the time of the ceremony but already the area had been prepared and dressed and he smiled in pleasure at the preparations that Robyn had made. He had had little part in the actual planning of the event; it being something that Robyn had taken the greatest of pleasures in.

He shrugged his shoulders somewhat self consciously in the plain but new clothes that he wore, the green of the jacket contrasting with the white linen of the shirt with its embroidery around the collar and the silk of the matching green trousers slipped across his skin with a sensuous feel that he was not entirely comfortable with in such a public place. He ran his fingers through his freshly trimmed and brushed hair and trod carefully so that the new soft brown half boots stayed clean for the ceremony.

The sound of bells tinkled at him as he approached and even though he was early, still others had been earlier still and he exchanged smiles, nods and waves with those that he recognised, which he realised with a start was most of those present. He stopped a little way off and surveyed the scene, his pulse racing and the sound of his heart filled his ears and he ached for Robyn to appear so that he could share this most perfect of times with her.

As the chill of the air, cold for this most temperate of cities blew across the scene, he became aware of another figure also standing back and watching what was happening, though unlike him this other figure was female and had two young children with her. Also this was someone that he did not know, so perhaps it was some guest of Robyns that he did not know, and was probably feeling somewhat intimidated by the scene and the strangers that she did not know.

Feeling some compassion and also interest as to her identity he approached closer and called ”Serale,” gently once he was within easy speaking distance. Now that he was closer it appeared that she had been travelling for some time and was in need at least of some refreshment. ”My name is S'Lon and I am a Ranger here at the Hall, can I offer you the shelter of the Hall and some rest and refreshments perhaps, for your girls if not yourself.”