A Happy Duty, a Lovely Day
{ Being an entry by Lancogard North-took into his Life-book }
TORECH BESRUTH, FALATHLORN, Lindon, on this the 9th day of Wedmath:
(Upon my soul, Elvish place-names can be a tongue-twister on the best of days...)
After accepting my fortnight of leave, I departed Brockenborings at a leisurely pace through the Shire and into the Elf-country, arriving at the hamlet of Torn-en-Aduial (which I understand means "Secrets in the Twilight", how poetic) and arrived at my destination: the grand manor of House Bar-en-Acharn, and the home of dear Lady Seregrían. I was doubly pleased to be visiting, not only for just the good company and hospitality of The Lair, but also because on the morrow it was the Lady's wedding day - and I had the honor of officiating!
The day dawned bright and cheerful, a most Elvish day which even hobbits might appreciate as a lovely day for picnics and parties in our own right. The Lair had been transformed for the event: gone were the brooding spires and statuary which Her Ladyship displayed during her sad grieving. The manor house actually bloomed, with blossoming trees and gardens and fountains playing in the light. A brilliant and festive gazebo stood in the front yard, where the vows were to be recited.
Now, here I have to write down my thoughts on the matter. I had to read up on Elvish customs, having been told by the groom, Master Cutch, that the couple would follow that formula. I was rather surprised in its simplicity - my good Applecider always harps on about how verbose and wordy Elves can be, but for wedding vows they waste no words and come straight to it, as I saw...
Well, the blessed event began with the guests and the groom's party gathered outside at the gazebo, and at the top of the hour the bridal party emerged from the house - one by one, three gobsmackingly beautiful Elf-maids walked to the gazebo. First was Hartagil, she what is Her Ladyship's sister and stood as Mother of the Bride that day; then Mistress Jersiel, a talented songstress and close friend of Her Ladyship; then as Maid of Honor came Lady Morenwenna, she who Her Ladyship always hails as "cousin". All three were in purples and violets of every hue, and looked stunning in the sunlight - but then...
...out walked The Bride Herself! Upon my word, I never saw Her Ladyship look so lovely - I think the prettiest part of her was the smile on her face, a look of bashful joy that any hobbit-bride would have tried to duplicate. She wore purple and violet, with a snowy-white veil - I swear it looked like the night sky with a cloud passing across the Moon! As she approached the gazebo, I nearly forgot my speech, and I had to clear my throat to not only let the crowd hear me, but to refocus my own head! And so, I addressed the crowd:
"Ladies! Lords! Friends of far and wide! I am Lancogard North-took, and I bid you welcome to this lovely day!
"As a duly deputized officer of the Shire, one of my happiest duties is to preside at special occasions - and I am doubly honored to be here with two of my dearest closest friends, as they begin their lives together. On this day, in this place, Master Cutch Crane shall take the Lady Seregrían as his bride.
"Now, according to the traditions of the Elves, there are vows to be exchanged by the couple - so I shall ask you hearken to the couple today!"
The two lovebirds turned to each other - Cutch was all smiles, but Herself was totally out of sorts and blushing furiously. He began to recite the vows, "I love you, and on this day I shall take thee as my wife. What is your will?"
To which she replied, "My will is like unto your will. On this day, I shall take thee as my husband."
He slipped a ring onto her finger saying, "Under the watchful eye of Manwë, I pledge myself unto thee." She did likewise for him saying, "And under the loving gaze of Varda, I shall pledge myself unto thee." And as one they said, "And may the One who is above all thrones be pleased."
And with those words, I turned to the assembly and fairly shouted in glee, "Lords and ladies present, may I present to you all - THE BRIDE AND GROOM!!!" And a thunderous cheer rose from all the assembled Elves, Big Folk and hobbits there. And so it happened at last. My Bainiel was wed to the man she loved, and who loved her. I could not be happier, for either of them or both. Such a delightful day!
