It was a fine day in the week after spring had begun. There was a farm outside to the south of Bree that had apple trees and also a gazebo, perfect for an occasion like a wedding. It was a small wedding, in fact. It had only consisted of family members and a few kinsmen.
The eldest son of Lord Goldgel Umaarah was talking to his father as Dal’Darac led the son’s sister, Khawlah, to stand by their adoptive brother, Dryn. There was also Erimyl, the adoptive daughter of Gold, and the man by the name of Quiz. Last but not least, there was the bride by the name of Zuilyun that would walk to the gazebo, who was accompanied by Erimyl and Zuilyun’s parents.
Zuilyun stopped at the gate, taking a deep breath. Khawlah smiled at Dryn as soon as she had stood beside him.
“[H] I have to leave you for part of the ceremony,” murmured Dal’Darac, looking to Khawlah. “[H] They’ve entrusted me to light the fire pits and… Well, I have to guard the groom, of course.”
“[H] Good evening, Khawlah,” smiled Dryn, looking over to her.
Erimyl peeked through the gate to see the others before looking back to Zuilyun. She placed her hands on Zuilyun’s shoulders.
“It’ll be alright, Zuil…,” smiled Erimyl. “You can do this.”
Dal’Darac stepped to one side to where a burning torch stood ready, flexing his armoured hands and stretching out tall and proud.
“Is everyone here?” asked Gold, glancing around.
Saqr looked to his father as Dryn gave Gold a nod. Erimyl patted the girl’s shoulders and went in, grinning. Dal’Darac looked over to Saqr, adjusting his sword and looking stern but proud, a light smile playing on his lips. Gold cleared his throat and raised his hands for their attention…rather nervous himself…
Erimyl watched carefully. Saqr casted a sidelong glance to Dal, giving him a smile back, before looking back to Gold. Dal’Darac nodded to Saqr, risking a little way to him and grinning now, spoiling the effect of his honour guard. Quiz packed his pipe but Erimyl smacked his arm, not too hard, but caused him to sigh and put his pipe away.
Dryn muttered to where only Khawlah could hear. She smiled and leaned over to whisper back. Dal’Darac shuffled his feet then started to move around the three, small fire pits, pulling out a bag of something and sprinkling a mixture of leaves and spices into each of them. Gold then remembered something and squeaked, rushing down to Khawlah, nearly tripping on the cushions.
Erimyl giggled a little, seeing that. Dal’Darac blinked as he sees Gold go flying past before giving a snorting giggle.
“Really?” muttered Dal’Darac.
Goldgel shot a glare over his shoulder at Dal… Oh, yes. He heard that giggle. Dal’darac lowered his head, trying to turn it into an innocent little look instead, raising a brow.
“Alright..,” said Goldgel, addressing to Dryn and Khawlah. “One of you two… Would be willing to bring forth the rings?”
“You mean like a ring bearer?” asked Dryn, blinking a few times.
“Yes!” answered Goldgel.
Khawlah hummed and tilted her head.
“I’ll do it,” replied Dryn, nodding.
Goldgel smiled and handed Dryn two small ornate boxes covered in red velvet with the wedding rings inside, “Good! Thank you!”
Quiz shifted, feeling overdressed for the occasion. Zuilyun nervously took deep breaths, calming herself.
“No problem,” said Dryn, nodding while taking the boxes into his hands.
Erimyl looked over at Quiz and chuckled softly, then shook her head a little…and held up her hand to look at her own wedding ring with a soft smile. The eldest son of Gold, Saqr, began to walk up the steps. Goldgel nodded and scurried back up…nearly tripping on the cushions again.
“Oh, for f–,” muttered Gold.
He composed himself and pivoted around, smiling. Erimyl saw that and laughed a little, covering her mouth. Dal’Darac straightened once more, adjusting his sword and sliding his neck from side to side, his powerful chest and shoulders on display for once, glancing to Saqr with a little wink. Dryn could not help himself but to smile as he thought.
Goldgel hummed and glanced over…not so subtly checking Dal out…. Dal’Darac kept his gaze averted, standing straight and to his full height for once, his usual stoop gone as he watched the arch and scanned the wall, his hand rested on his sword hilt. Erimyl glanced to her wedding ring again, giving a soft sigh while smiling, causing Quiz to notice. Khawlah smirked and elbowed Dryn, pointing at their father.
Dryn looked over to Gold before saying, “[H] Oi. None of that till after.”
Erimyl laughed out loud, hearing Dryn.
“[H] I would have to agree…,” said Saqr, not helping himself but to smile.
Goldgel blinked and snapped his eyes to Dryn before looking straight forward, blushing fiercely. His own adoptive son could not help but to snicker at his reaction. Zuilyun peeked her head pass the arch slightly, looking around before popping back. Erimyl softly sighed and hurried back over to beyond the arch.
Goldgel cleared his throat… Upon seeing the bride’s hands, he raised his hands again, calling for silence and attention. Erimyl nodded a bit…then sighed softly before returning to her former spot. Dal’Darac glanced at the arch, spotting Zuil, and a little smile gracing his lips before glancing back to Gold, straightening even more and puffing his chest out.
Khawlah looked up at her father. Erimyl as well, smiling a bit. Dryn stood up straight and proud, holding onto the box. Lord Goldgel Umaarah took a deep breath before beginning to speak.
“Last night, I looked up and I saw one moon,” said Gold. “So beautiful my breath was catching. So pale and perfect, surrounded by a veil of dark clouds that twirled and covered while yet its light still shone out, bathing all. But yet even as I admired it, I felt how lonely it seemed.”
Dal’Darac stroked his fingers over his sword hilt, his face becoming serene as he listened.
“This is oft the fate of moons,” continued Gold. “To travel through the sky, to light and protect. In their stead, we see the bandits and robbers of this world chased away with fear and awe. Yet still, they are one. So high and solitary, so alone.”
Erimyl smiled and listened. Dal’Darac glanced around towards the arch, and then grasped the torch from its holder, waiting.
“Today, then, is a special day, for my solitary moon, my son Saqr, is to be joined in his silent and stately pursuits by a second moon,” said Gold.
Saqr smiled and listened. Zuilyun quietly popped out into view, looking deathly nervous. Goldgel gestured for Saqr to turn around. Saqr had done so to look at Zuilyun, smiling warmly.
“As the moon, she is so modest, veiled and shy,” said Gold. “See how her beauty and poise though illuminates us all, casting all around her in shadow.”
Zuilyun quietly started to walk, and when passing her parents, Di’Nantla would tap her back to get her moving. Dal’Darac glanced to the arch, seeing Zuil and his eyes widening. Goldgel smiled softly, looking like a proud father. Erimyl grinned as she saw Zuilyun go past, giving her an encouraging nod.
Quiz nodded at her. Khawlah smiled warmly at Zuilyun and her brother, happy for them.
“Tonight, there shall be two moons within this sky, drifting together in perfect balance and step,” said Goldgel. “Two moons to watch over their family and friends. Where they go, no shadows shall linger to call fear to hearts, nor darkness cast to hide ill wishers and cowards.”
Saqr and Zuilyun sat down on their cushions, facing the others. Dal’Darac sighed, his face relaxing from its stern lines into softer, happier curves. Dryn smiled as he looked to Saqr and Zuil.
“Now hear the words of my son and his bride as they proclaim their love to the endless skies where they will whisper for eternity to remind them of their vows,” announced Gold, gesturing to Saqr first.
Dal’Darac turned to touch his torch to the first of the fire pits as Saqr spoke, filling the air with spicy, musky scent, spiraling around them in the wind.
Saqr stood up before facing Zuilyun, saying in a clear voice, “Zuilyun, before you, I was void of emotions. I did not cry or smile. I had felt empty. But ever since we have met on that day when Father told me to introduce myself to you, I had enjoyed every moment with you. I had gotten the opportunity to open up to you and be happy with you. I would like to spend the rest of my life with you like that. Full of happiness and love. I swear that I will protect you to my dying breath.”
Goldgel smiled and nodded to Saqr, gesturing now to Zuilyun. Erimyl grinned and wiped an eye, happy tears beginning to well. Dal’Darac sighed in happiness, beaming and then quickly lighting the second fire pit, this one giving out sweet and flowery scents, curling to mingle with the musky smoke, reaching upwards and outwards around the trees.
Zuilyun quietly stood, muttering, “You’re going to make mine seem so short!” She would cough and looked up to Saqr. “Saqr, on this day, I give you my heart… And with my heart, I hold this promise…” She took her hands with a smile, continuing, “That I will walk with you hand in hand… Wherever the road ahead leads us… Learning… Living… Loving.. Together as husband and wife. Till the end of our days.”
Saqr smiled warmly as he looked to Zuilyun.
Goldgel gestured for Dryn to come forth with the rings, “And now… To exchange the rings… A band… A symbol of eternity…”
Erimyl released a quiet, happy sob, covering her mouth with one hand and wiping her eyes with another. Quiz patted Erimyl on the back. Dryn nodded before walking to the three, holding the boxes in his hands still.
“Saqr…,” said Goldgel, looking to his son. “Do you take Zuilyun to be your wife? If so… Take the ring and place it on her finger as you say, ‘I do.’”
Dal’Darac stood with his torch, shuffling his feet and seeming waiting for something, the smoke curling around them, the scents a little cloying where he stood, making him wipe his nose. Saqr looked to the box without a second thought. He opened the box and took the ring. He then moved his hands to place the ring around her ring finger.
“I do,” smiled Saqr.
Erimyl grinned and wiped her eyes again.
Goldgel smiled and nodded, glancing at Zuil now, “And do you, Zuilyun, take Saqr to be your husband? If so… Take the ring and place it on his finger as you say ‘I do.’”
Zuilyun took the ring with careful fingers, before taking his hand and gently slipping it on.
“I do,” replied Zuilyun.
Goldgel wiped his eyes and sniffled slightly, mumbling under his breath, “Gods be damned, my eyes are leaking…” He then says in a clear and loud voice, “Now watch as their words ascend into the wind, carried forth to all corners of this land to declare love, obedience and loyalty. These two shall remain bound by these vows forever, taking no other to heart or to their bed.”
Khawlah sniffled slightly herself. Dryn moved back for Dal’Darac, smiling warmly at the two. Dal stepped a little forward, kneeling and touching his torch to the third fire pit, set in the path, lighting it and letting the coals glow, the herbs and spices among them burning. He made sure it was burning well, more smoke than flames, stepping back and setting his torch back in its holder.
“Two moons rise in the sky now, two new and youthful burning moons lifted on hands of love and faithfulness…,” said Goldgel, raising both hands up towards the sky.
Erimyl released another quiet, happy sob…yet again covering her mouth with one hand, and wiping her eyes with the other.
Goldgel turned to face Zuilyun, “I welcome you, Zuilyun, to my house as my daughter.”
He bowed deeply to her before facing the crowd again. Zuilyun bowed her head to Gold with watery eyes and a smile. Dal’Darac bowed deeply to the couple, kneeling on one knee and almost touching his forehead to the ground in respect.
“Today, I have gained a daughter and my son has gained a bride,” announced Gold. “Rejoice all and wish them happiness.”
Dryn smiled brightly as he looked at them.
“Now go!” exclaimed Gold after bowing again. “Cross the flames into the new life, as husband and wife…”
Zuilyun took Saqr’s hand with a smile. Dal’Darac kept kneeling, his shoulders relaxing, and then stood slowly to watch them. Saqr smiled warmly as he looked at Zuilyun, love in his eyes. She beckoned him forward to jump. He smiled as he jumped with her over the fire, causing the others to cheer.
Zuilyun smiled brightly, wiping her eyes. Dal’Darac pulled out a pouch from his belt, dipping his hand in and throwing grains of rice of over the couple, beaming from ear to ear. Saqr smiled and caressed her cheek gently before kissing her lips. Goldgel straightened up and pulled out a silk hankie, dabbing at his eyes, smiling widely.
Erimyl grinned as she cheered through her happy tears.
Dal’Darac threw more rice over them, chuckling, “That was beautiful!”
Goldgel smiled and stepped down the stairs, “Aye! Now let us go and feast at the estate on the banquet provided for us by Dal’Darac!”
The others had cheered once again for the newlyweds. Erimyl had laughed a bit, wiping her eyes as she did so. Zuilyun giggled and hugged Saqr tightly, head against his shoulder. He smiled as he held her before looking to Gold, giving him a smile in thanks. Goldgel smiled and stepped down the stairs, proceeding quickly out the arch to grab something for the bride and groom…
Zuilyun sniffled and wiped her eyes, speaking quietly, “You know… I never wrote down those vows…”
Goldgel came back, leading two pure white horses from their homelands, done up in silver, gold, and crimson harnesses adorned with tiny silver bells. He leads the prancing pair forward.
“For my son and his bride…,” smiled Goldgel.
Zuilyun looked over to Gold, her jaw dropping in surprise. Saqr chuckled softly before leaning in to whisper in her ear. Dal’Darac turned to admire the horses, folding his arms over his chest and nodding.
“Ooh!” exclaimed Khawlah. “Shiny!”
Saqr then looked to the mares, smiling before looking to Gold, “They are beautiful, Father.”
Zuilyun giggled at Saqr, before walking forward and giving Gold a tight hug, saying, “Thank you, Goldgel…”
Goldgel blinked and chuckled, hugging her back with a soft laugh. He smiled and offered the reins of the beasts to Saqr. Zuilyun backed up, and gave a hug to her parents… They had beckoned her to the side for a moment. Saqr took the reins in his hands before watching her. Goldgel stepped forward and clapped Saqr’s shoulder with one hand, smiling…
“My son…,” murmured Goldgel.
Zuilyun glanced between the two of them as they spoke… Her smile faded and she quickly hugged both of them. Watching… They slowly hobble out toward town. Erimyl wiped her eyes again, still grinning. Dal’Darac moved over towards Zuilyun, picking up two wrapped packages from the ground.
“I have gifts also,” said Dal’Darac.
Saqr turned to look at Gold, smiling warmly as he said, “Thank you for your help, Father… For everything.”
Zuilyun wiped her eyes, brow raised and a wobbling smile on her lips.
“Oh?” asked Zuilyun.
Goldgel sniffled before wrapping Saqr in a tight hug, should he allow.
Dal’Darac held out the parcels, each one moving like women silk towards her, bowing, “Cloaks to match your steeds.”
Saqr smiled more and gave his father a tight hug back. Zuilyun smiled and went to take one. If allowed, she hugged Dal’Darac tightly. Quiz pulled out a silver box, causing Erimyl to realize that she forgot to do something…. Dryn smiled as he looked to his brother and his new sister-in-law. Goldgel smiled and raised his head, placing a hand on his son’s shoulder, still sniffling… And yes… Crying… But they were happy tears.
Dal’Darac hugged Zuilyun back, chuckling, “You make a sweet couple.”
“Thank you for this…,” smiled Zuilyun, sniffling.
“[H] It would be your turn next, Father,” smiled Saqr. “[H] And I will be there.”
Dal’Darac kissed her headdress, murmuring, “Those cloaks may seem thin and silken but they will keep you warm on winter rides. Just as often your marriage may seem bare but it still comforts you and will soon be warm once more.”
Zuilyun nodded quickly and squeezed Dal’Darac’s arm before she wandered to Saqr’s side. He looked to Zuil before smiling warmly at her. She looked around, her smile still wobbling. He looked at her, concerned now. He turned to hold her in his arms.
Goldgel sniffled and nodded, “[H] Thank you… My son…” He glanced at Zuilyun, “[H] And now, my daughter….”
Dal’Darac watched them all proudly, lifting his chin. Zuilyun rested her head on Saqr’s shoulder and smiled to Gold.
“[H] I should call you Father from now on then?” asked Zuilyun
“[H] If you wish…,” answered Gold, rubbing his eyes and sniffling again.
Zuilyun could not help but chuckle and looked around. “Shall we continue this celebration at the Estate?” She glanced up at the sky. “Those clouds are giving me an eerie feeling.”
Erimyl nodded a bit, wiping her eyes again.
“Yup!” smiled Dryn, understanding their words completely.
Goldgel smiled and nodded, “Shall we escort the bride and groom to the estate now?”
“Aye,” smiled Saqr, nodding.
“Let’s get drunk!” smirked Quiz.
Zuilyun literally…facepalmed. Erimyl smacked Quiz on the arm again, though she laughed afterwards. Dryn shot a glare at him though. Goldgel giggles.
“Ready to go, Khawlah?” asked Dryn, looking to his sister.
“Yes!” smiled Khawlah, nodding. “I’m right behind you, brother!”
Dryn smiled back to Khawlah. Zuilyun looked to the mares, looking between the two.
“I hope Tadaes won’t be upset!” said Zuilyun.
“This is an exception, love…,” chuckled Saqr softly.
Zuilyun chuckled and took the beautiful horse on the right. Goldgel smiled and moved to go mount up on his own white horse. Erimyl wiped her eyes once more before going to mount up on Rusher. As for Saqr, he smiled as he took the horse to his left. As soon as everyone was mounted on their steeds, they rode to the estate of the House of the Crimson Sun.
