“The tradition of Elvendom states thus,” Seregrían began, “to commence a courtship, the Party of the First Part must make demonstration of both intent and resolve. Intent, firstly, to honor the Party of the Second Part in oath and committed fellowship. Secondly, to be able to provide for the Second Party’s household and welfare.
“To this end, the Household of the Second Party shall set conditions that the First Party shall fulfill, within reason and resource. Faenwë,” she said, looking severely to him, “you shall demonstrate your ability to protect and defend your betrothed, as well as provide for both herself - and any family that may come in the fullness of time.”
"That, I shall do," Faenwë nodded.
“To this end,” Seregrían said, “you shall go forth and gather quantities of foods and materials that demonstrate your skills at provision. You shall return to The Lair with these in your possession: a hundred-weight each of light and medium leathers; one hundred dace taken from the waters; a hundred-weight each of branches of yew, and of rich iron bars from the forge; and lastly, a hundred scaled hides of dragon kind.”
Both Ivorina and Faenwë reacted to Seregrían’s decree. Faenwë’s eyebrows crawled up his scalp at the trove’s contents, especially the last. Ivorina blinked in surprise, now thinking she was way too easy on him, compared to this.
“I shall provide you,” Seregrían was saying, “the lore and the knowledge by which each of these shall be located. The means by which this trove is gathered, I leave to your wit and ingenuity.”
“A trove, indeed,” Faenwë said, “I suppose peace will have to wait.”
“A hundred - of dragon kind!?" Ivorina gaped. Faenwë also had questions about that...
“Now, this trove shall stand as proof of your earnest suit,” Seregrían intoned gravely, “but there remains one thing more. You must also offer proof that you possess the valor and will to face any danger to your betrothed, even unto certain doom.”
“Then, let it be so,” Faenwë replied stoically. Ivorina looked concerned at what this last might be.
“Far to the East,” Seregrían said, “in the valley of the Hoarwell below Mitheithel, lays a vast marsh spilling into the surrounding wood. Tidings speak of a band of trolls that harass the wayfarer and waylay the wanderer. You shall bring proof that not one, but TEN of these beasts no longer threaten the world.
“Upon your return with these proofs,” she declared, “I shall present you with your betrothal rings: one for Ivorina to bestow upon you, and one for you to bestow upon her in turn, and your betrothal shall be announced by me, to all and sundry.
“Does the Party of the Second Part consent to these terms?” Seregrían asked. “Know that you have the power to amend my conditions, if you feel averse to them.”
“... I think so...” Ivorina stammered, looking mildly aghast.
“And does the Party of the First Part agree to the terms?”
Faenwë took a breath, absorbing all that is now laid before him. He looked to Seregrían, then back to Ivorina. "Not so fast..." Seregrían’s eyebrow rose a little, and Ivorina looked paler than normal.
“First, I would like to hear from Ivorina,” he said, “just what commitments she will make to me, in return for the strife and tests that I must pass through to prove myself... what will you do to prove yourself to me?”
Seregrían gave a sly smile and said, “I was getting to that - but first, do you agree to the terms?”
“Erm, yes... that comes next...” Ivorina gulped.
Faenwë smiled and nodded. "Then in trust, I will agree to your terms, Seregrían, knowing full well that my faith and heart are well placed in you, Ivorina... and that I won’t be left to labor for nothing. Yes, I agree to these terms.”
“Then that shall stand.” Seregrían then turned to Ivorina saying, “Maiden, as part of a betrothal, the Second Party is also required to demonstrate her commitment to her beloved, and any house they may build in the course of time. To this end, the bride shall show her ability and resolve in building a home, and using wisely the trove her suitor presents unto her.
“Therefore, you shall be required to produce or procure the following: garb and clothing, for labors, casual and for formal affairs, for both you and he; using the hundred dace, you shall prepare meals of equal size; and lastly, you shall procure items and objects which show how well you may maintain and present a home that reflects honor and prestige upon your husband. This last effort shall be adjudged by myself, and a third impartial party.
“Upon satisfying these tasks, you shall be presented with a necklace of surpassing quality, as a bride-gift. Does the Party of the Second Part agree to these terms?”
After a beat, Ivorina said,“I believe this is all well within me ability, I accept.” Faenwë pursed his lips, somewhat amused by the whole thing. Seregrían indicated that both Faenwë and Ivorina should stand, and slowly smiled as she made a pronouncement in a strong, clear voice.
“Then I, Seregrían, daughter of Carcírion, Lady of House Bar-en-Acharn, so declare. You, Faenwë, and you, Ivorina, shall set about your tasks with full and eager hearts - and we shall meet in due course to adjudge your commitments to each other.” And with a wide grin, “and may Elbereth smile upon you both!”
Both the couple’s eyes were locked onto each other’s, not moving for a moment. Faenwë let his gaze rest on Ivorina for a few more moments, before turning to Seregrían with a smile.
“That settles the tasks at hand, then,” he said. "Thank you, Your Ladyship.”
“Now then, to mark this occasion,” Seregrían said as she refilled the glasses all around, “I give this toast to you - Your Lady toasts your success, and your love! Cuio mael, Live Well!” And all three drank, celebrating a bond about to be forged.
