Wedding in Arcadia

[This is a recreation of the page I did of the wedding of our Callahanian Army of Light characters, which was first posted to alt.callahans on 26 Sep 1997. Given that we first got to know each other while playing these two, and how much of ourselves went into them, we consider these to be as much our vows as the ones we spoke to each other in person.]

Another quiet day in Callahan's -- but not for long ;-)....

An x-window opens, revealing a city -- if it is fair to call a massive grove that would dwarf redwoods, strung with golden bridges and crystal dwellings, protected by bastions built from rainbows, a city. Two sidhe, clad in green and bearing gold herald-trumpets, enter and blow an elaborate fanfare. When they have everyone's undivided attention, one of them speaks.

"Gentles! Pray attend! Let all who hear these words know that today is a most joyous day, for on this day the immortals known as Morgan Greywolf and Roland Phoenix are to be joined in sacred union! Their Royal Majesties Oberon and Titania do therefore declare this day a day of feasting and celebration! All in this noble place are hereby invited to attend!"

The two sidhe snap to smartly, turn, and walk through the X-Window. As the panorama zooms in, a grove-within-a-grove can be seen.

The Sidhe have been decorating.

Ribbons of light, strange whirling songmakers, and crystal birds adorn the wedding site, dragons fly overhead, fantastic fae mingle with Roland's immortal guests, and dolphins swim in rivers that wind through the air below them.

There is a feeling much like an orchestra tuning up; many elements of beauty, not quite in unison, each finding its place in the song before the music begins.

Then, the sounds of friendly conversation begins to die down, the people begin finding their seats or place in the wedding party, and soon, the grove is silent. All is ready.

Titania and Oberon join hands and raise their arms. "We gather here in a ritual of love with two who would be wedded. Roland and Morgan, come forward to stand here before us and before the gods of Nature."

The wedding party approaches the royal couple. Silver Phoenix is wearing her "terminator" body, though she looks surprisingly gentle. Adorned in simple red and silver, she beams at her protégé and his beloved.

Dhyrclhanc is wearing a tuxedo. Further cannot truly be described.

Following them are the happy immortals. Roland is garbed in a brilliant blue fabric and shining gold armor, the intricate chest plate inscribed by some incredible artist's rendition of a phoenix outlined in white gold. Morgan glows on his arm. Literally. Her gown would make any fairy-tale princess green with envy. The fabric can only be described as silver silk, but "silver" doesn't do justice to the rainbow of colors that shimmers about the Druidess. The circlet in her hair is only possible in Arcadia -- the flowers couldn't be found anywhere else. The Flash ring Roland gave her when he proposed is now on her right hand.

Oberon says to Roland, "If you do truly desire, O Roland, to marry this woman, I bid you present to her your blade of power. Pledge your weapon to her, unfailingly ever to be at her service."

Roland draws the Phoenix Claw and kneels before Morgan, offering the sword to her. "Gracious and lovely one, accept my pledge of love to thee. I pledge this sword, as I pledge my soul, ever to be in your service. Like this blade shall my love be strong, like this steel shall my love be enduring. Accept it, O beloved one, for that which is mine shall also be yours."

Morgan takes the Claw from his hands, and holds it to her forehead for a few moments. She then offers it back to him, bidding him to rise with a gesture. "My lord, I accept your pledge of love as I do accept the pledge of your blade. Thou knowest what is in my heart as I know what is in thine. The magic of my will, and of my love, shall ever be yours."

Roland takes the blade, holds it to his heart, and concentrates. The blade winds around his arm and vanishes beneath his sleeve. Titania then speaks to Morgan. "If you dost truly desire, O Morgan, to marry this man, I bid you present to him a jewel of great value as token of the love you have for him."

Morgan reaches up and unclasps a fine silver chain from around her neck. Dependant from the chain is a heart of amethyst, which seems to glow with a fire of its own. She kneels before Roland, offering up the stone with both hands. "Thou who art handsome and strong, accept my jewel, my treasure, as pledge that all which I am and all which I possess shall be yours. My love shall ever endure, and shall flourish as the vine and the tree."

Roland takes the heart, touches it to his forehead for a moment. He then takes Morgan's hand, bidding her rise as he returns the jewel to her, placing it back around her neck. "My lady, I accept your pledge of love as I do accept the pledge of your jewel. Thou knowest what is in my heart as I know what is in thine. All which I have now, or shall have, shall ever be yours."

They stand for a moment, hands still touching, gazing into each others' eyes. Oberon picks up a wand from the altar, and on it can be seen two rings. He holds it out to Titania, who grasps the other end, and says to the couple, "Place your right hands over this wand, and your rings, his hand over hers."

They comply, and Titania's voice rings through the grove.

"The cosmos through, in every part,
One thing endures ... a loving heart.
Above you are the stars
Below you are the stones.
As time passes, remember . . .
Like a star should your love be constant,
Like the earth should your love be firm.
Possess one another, yet be understanding.
Have patience each with the other,
For storms will come, but they will go quickly.
Be free in giving of affection and of warmth.
Have no fear, and let not the ways or words
Of the unenlightened give you unease.
For the Light is with you,
Now and always!"

She pauses, and the Army of Light's psi-web is filled with the love radiating from the happy couple.

Oberon looks at Morgan. "Is it your wish, Morgan Greywolf of Clann Fhaoilcheire, to become one with this man?"

Morgan gazes lovingly at Roland. "Aye, it is."

Titania speaks to Roland. "Is it your wish, Roland Phoenix of the Silver Shield, to become one with this woman?"

"Always," Roland replies, his eyes never leaving Morgan's.

Oberon looks at those assembled. "Does any say nay?" The sternness in his voice silences any who thought to make a sound in jest.

Roland takes one of the rings off the wand, a white gold band with an interwoven fire and lightning design done as Celtic knotwork, and places it on Morgan's finger. "In the name of the Phoenix and the Light I pledge thee my troth, to love and cherish thee through all lifetimes, for even though our paths may later diverge, yet will I always be thy true friend, to love thee and lend thee aid and protection, by the power of the starry mill of heaven, beyond the imaginable reaches of time and knowledge."

Morgan takes the other ring, a match for the one Roland has given her, and places it on Roland's finger. "In the name of the Triple Goddess I pledge thee my troth, to love and cherish thee through all lifetimes, for even though our paths may later diverge, yet will I always be thy true friend, to love thee and lend thee aid and protection, by the power of the starry mill of heaven, beyond the imaginable reaches of time and knowledge."

Oberon raises his hands in blessing over the couple, as does Titania, who says, "Then as the Ancients are witness to this rite I now proclaim you husband and wife! Thus are thy hands fasted . . . The Two are One, the work of joy is done, and yet begun!"

The happy couple kisses.

The assembled guests cheer.

Let the party begin!