Vows

­And here they are,  on their biggest moment.  Both shining faces of happiness , a pair of smiles. Two fleshy mirrors reflecting  an inner feeling of extacy, unable to maintain an expression of manneristic solemnity. For they now have a day to call their most beautiful, from which on felicity is to come. Friends were gathered, watching the happenings, tears of emotion escaping Blince’s eyes. The couple stood there, before the colourful flower garden.  Two hearts beating together in rhythm with Alolira’s words, meaningful sounds echoing through their very core:

“In the tradition of my people, now is the time where I would ask if you two are truly in love, and truly wish to unite in the bonds of matrimony.

But I think all of us who gathered here today know the answer to that question.”

 “Marriage is a gift, a beautiful thing given to us by the Eldar, as a sign of  life between two true companions, who wish to unite their lives.”

“But I see no reason to speak of love between two who love another so much, and so obviously, as Lady Ellyanna and Sir Threland.”

“Now.”

“Do you Threland, take Lady Ellyanna to be your wife, in the eyes of the Valar and the One?”

“Do you vow to comfort and protect her, to be her sword and her shield?”

The lassie grins at him. The man smiles joyfully, confidently speaking the words he longed for all along, in his own rustic accent, his way of expressing his love: “Ah do”.

“And do you, Lady Ellyanna, take Sir Threland as your husband?”

“Do you vow to honor him and serve alongside him, as your lives are joined as one?”

The young lady is lost in his eyes as she speaks a resolute “I do”, and smiles.

“Then in the eyes of Manwe, and Varda, and of the One above all…”

“…I pronounce you husband and wife.”

“You may kiss the bride.”

He loses no second , and he approaches her. His hand holds hers gently, his other caresses her soft cheek as he leans in, her palm responding and resting up against his back. Both sets of joyful eyes close at the moment when their lips touch, their senses tingling for a few precious, endless moments, shutting away their surroundings from their thoughts. The world swirls around them, a cool breeze cuddles with their hair, as  images of their future appear before their gently shut eyelids. Life is sweet for these two.

“May Manwe and Varda, the King and Queen, and the One, bless you and protect you, fulfill your hopes and dreams, on this, your wedding day…”

“…and that’s it.”