A Joining of Souls - Ally

Just remember to breath... It was all the advice the trembling Druidess could offer herself at that moment, with her heart pounding beneath her breast and the nervousness clenching a tight grip on her throat. Still she smiled as the gathered crowd clustered around a secluded hilltop nestled deep within Dawnshroud's peaks. A cool breeze buffeted the hills, making the trees murmur and whisper amongst themselves as they regarded this uncommon gathering. Crimson strands lifted on this gentle wind, flaming wisps dancing over her cheeks and forehead to dangle in her vibrant pair of emerald green eyes. That verdant gaze flicked over the gathered people quickly, offering the welcome and thanks of her smile to each face she met. Cultures so typically at varying ends of the cultural spectrum found peace in this sheltered glade, looking on the trembling beauty standing next to her pillar of strength, and soon to be life's mate Gulerian. Alluriel's eyes returned to him, just as they always have and will, the flutter of her heart threatening to swell right out of her chest. Her smile was the brightest for him.

Presiding over the ceremonies was the tall and regal Thale, preparing his ceremonial gear with all pomp and circumstance of the fluid and practiced grace of his Koada'Dal heritage. Renk, the High Priest of the Matron Saeliu, regarded the couple with a small, unassuming grin crossing his darkly skinned features. Somehow he always managed to look meek and pious, but awesomely menacing in his power. The Ivy-clad figure of Glenorian stood out from the crowd, bound in the familiar armor of Gulerian's calling, sovereign ranger of Tunare. Samail, another soldier of Tunare's brood but of a different ilk, gleamed in his golden plate armor, fist clenched tightly on the hilt of his sword and his eyes scanning the horizon for any sort of impending danger that he'd all too gladly smite down in the name of The Mother. Curled in the plush carpet of grass underfoot was the sweetly smiling Breeagh, sister of her heart, beside her lifelong companion Baek. The sturdy little halfling sat cross-legged in the grass, always appreciative of a moment to indulge in laziness. Then, there was her younger brother, Treybor. He matched her in almost everything but age, including the long drape of crimson hair and the fiercely emerald eyes. Seeing him there was a bittersweet reminder of lives and loves lost and of time spent far apart. The three of the latter guests were walkers of the wind, Druids of orders always intertwined for the greater good of the land under their fleet feet, and possibly the only ones who would understand her unique outlook on life.

Gulerian's voice was in her mind, calming.. reassuring.. easing her frayed nerves into a soothed blanket of security. Looking up at him, he seemed so cool and reserved, perfectly calm under the glowing scrutiny of their guests. Nothing could faze this seasoned ranger, strong and proud of his self assuredness. When her bright green eyes met his darker ones, she knew different. His heart was pounding unseen under the links of his ivy armor, his breath came in exaggerated slow form as he forced himself into stoicism. Ally always could see past the layers, golden hair haloed in sunshine and his warm smile displayed only for her. In this, the beginning of a new life and the most important step, they exchanged their nervous glances and turned their attention when Thale cleared his throat.

Thale held up a single, chain-laced finger as a signal to the couple that things were nearly ready. The priest then took a seat on the ground, unslinging a pack and carefully pawing through the pouches- removing several small objects wrapped in finest Felwithe silk, milky white and seeming to glimmer rainbow hues in the filtered sunlight. he then tugged lightly upon the twine binding them, revealing a small vial of clear liquid, the sigil of Tunare etched into it's glass surface, a cut of spun spider silk, and a single budding leaf sporting a frail, but nourished, root. He then spread the silk out on the ground before the two, smoothing it carefully and motioning for the two to kneel before him.

Drawing a last, shaky breath she flashed another nervous glance and folded her small form into position upon the silken tapestry, chewing on her plush lower lip as Gules took his place beside her. Simply sitting at his side was more than enough, but this day wasn't over yet. Motioning the couple to face one another, Thale spoke, his voice resonant and full of the authority of a senior clergyman. "Alluriel, Gulerian- join hands. Guests, please be seated." There was a shuffle of sound as the gathered followed instruction, making themselves comfortable on the hillside overlooking a small, sapphire lake. Ally's slim fingers were laced within the strength of his hand, the weathered skin contrasting to her paler complexion going unnoticed.

"I am Thale Windthistle, Priest of Tunare, and today in the service of Her for the purpose of union between these two, friends to some, blood to others." Ally's gaze flicked back to her brother, unable to stop the recall of memory and the sting of painful discovery, but it was quickly washed clean of her thoughts as Thale's voice permeated her senses and she could think of nothing more than her role today. The past will be the past. " I welcome you all, warmly and happily."

Her smile was quick, always ready and bright in her usual demeanor but it took on a different light as she turned her eyes to the man who would be her husband in a few, very short moments. He was a wonder to her eyes, a hero in every sense of the word and it made her heart flutter anew, like a hummingbird trapped in her chest. After so very long, she still couldn't believe her dream was finally coming true.

Glenorian dabbed at her eyes with a swatch of cloth, and Treybor smiled at his elder sister, thinking who knows what about the proceedings. His controversial livelihood had no place here, but such thoughts would not be tolerated on this day of bliss. All that will be remember will be laughter, joy and love to the tune of Thale's voice and well prepared ceremony.

"The stars of the universe shine down upon us, since the days before man or elf. These innocent twinkles, the blanket of ebon and ivory that greets us with the sun's departure into slumber, have intrigued us since the formulation of wonder. Our ships use them as navigation, a certainty of existence, a guiding beacon through midnight seas. Our philosophers see images, patterns and shapes of divine tales, and a night's pipe can be enjoyed with a telling of a grand fable, inspired by these brilliant little specks within the sky. My wife and I used them as a reminder- a single chosen star shining brightly in the south would be our link when far from one another, a light we know for certain the other is gazing upon at that time. It offered comfort and warmth in foreign lands, this insignificant wink, one of millions.

"Today, we stand upon one of these stars, one that holds a mystery and curiosity to the heartiest of native Norrathians. It is alien, beautiful, and dangerous all at once, with creatures and surroundings that we have never set eyes upon. Foes and friends lie around each bend, each strange rise and ominous pool. It is a setting for bravery, for knowledge, and for heroism. Today, in perhaps its most grand incarnation, it is a setting for love." He then placed a small swatch of ivory silk over the joined hands of the couple, smiling softly at each in turn before continuing. They used the pause to steal another glance at each other, Ally turning a bright smile his way and glowing with a radiant joy. Reluctantly, he dragged his eyes from hers to place his attention dutifully on the priest again.

"Alluriel and Gulerian, Elves of the woodlands of Kelethin, follow paths devoted to the Mother of All, Norrath in its whole, the spirit of nature, in all its glory and in all its fury." Thale's authoritative tone kept the attention of those assembled riveted on the somber, but beautiful ceremony of spiritual joining. "Their hearts belong to Her, and Her grace is channeled through their forms, conduits of a land long known and long revered. Their souls know the nature of adventure, and in their wanderlust, they arrived on a distant light in the sky and built strength, character, and friendship there- which nurtured by kind, wanting spirits blossomed into a glorious love. The connection they share combines the love of the Mother with the bond of alliance, comradery, and honor inspired by foreign lands and adventures."

The sting of fresh tears were blinked away before they could be shed, making her eyes glisten with their moisture. There was an empty place in the crowd, quite a few of them actually for those who couldn't make it. Those among the most missed was her friend and mentor, Thilos. The fires of memory burned anew, battles waged and won in the name of Tunare as she discovered her empathy extended to the flora and fauna of Tunare's creatures. Thilos was a strong, but quiet member of the Kelethin council, and approached her parents at a meeting with the request for sequestered training as a Druid. In the public eye, they dared not defy such a respected member of the community. Shortly after, the girl child skipped through the suspended bridges and ramps of Kelethin, slipping through a line of would be Rangers awaiting their trials and was oblivious to the effects of her touch as she disappeared into the throng, bent on travel preparations.

"Today we sit on the site of a love found, a longing for a deeper intimacy, a joining of eternal souls within the bounds of physical form. We look upon these two now as individual entities, formidable and beautiful in their own right, but soon, we shall see them share these unique components of one another and create a single soul from two- a shared mind and a shared heart, each knowing the other in ways mortal words could never describe."

Thale turned his steely grey eyes to Gules, speaking directly to the Outrider. "Gulerian, Ranger of the wood, brave and noble, soldier and protector. You hold title in the wild places, respect of the walkers who make certain balance is upheld, and natures greatest gifts are revered, watched over by the eyes of the near eternal. Is your heart's will to become Gulerian, husband of Alluriel, provider, caretaker, lover, guardian?"

She held her breath for the split second before his answer came, both exhilarated and terrified at the same frightening moment. Riding a dragon couldn't have been more scarily exciting. "Aye, it is." Hearing his authoritative tone form the words, the pent breath was released with the spreading of her wide smile, tears threatening a second time as she met his dark eyes and was swallowed whole. There was a brief silence, savoring the sweetest moment under Thale's gentle smile before he turned to Alluriel to pose the question of her. Ally had to force her eyes away from her love's.

"Alluriel, Druidess of the forest, empathic and unfettered, custodian and healer. You hold title in the hearts and thoughts of the creatures of Tunare, respect of the beasts tamed only by the resonance of the Mother's might, and her tender compassion. Is it you heart's will to become Alluriel, wife of Gulerian, advisor, consoler, spiritual mettle, emotional sentinel?"

There was no question, no doubt in her mind that it was her heart's will to be everything Thale stated and more. There was only one answer to his question, though she feared she would fall short despite her best efforts. When she spoke, her voice was gently firm, she'd never wanted anything more. "Aye... aye it is.."

Twin circles of gold, mounted with fiery rubies, blazed in the sunlight as they were slid into place on their slim elvish fingers. His darker, calloused hand, dotted with the tell tale nicks and scars of a fighter, covered her smaller and paler one, smooth and soft like comfortably worn cotton. Just breathe... she had to remind herself again when she looked at their hands intertwined and matched with their new adornments. So this was bliss.

Thale came forward and placed his hands on their shoulders, pronouncing loudly "Under the light of the Mother's majesty, beneath the watchful eye of Her entirety, I pronounce these two souls as one. Rise and be greeted for the first instance as Gulerian and Alluriel Aspenglade!" As the pair rose from the silken tapestry, he turned to Gules and said, "You may kiss your wife, Gulerian."

Cheers and Gnomish tinkered fireworks erupting around them both in a maelstrom of color and sound that threatened to overwhelm them. Gules placed a gentle hand on Ally's cheek, followed soon by a gentle brush of their lips sealed the bond of their souls in the eyes of Norrath. With that kiss, her mind joined with his, repeating for him her new name: "Alluriel Aspenglade..."

The whirlwind that ensued afterwards was a blur of commotion, hugs, words of congratulations and treasures both big and small passing hands to the newlyweds over a feast baked by Ally's tireless love for creation. The meal consisted of Jumjum salad, which was greatly received by the Halfling, lion steak fillets in a creamy fennel sauce, rabbit stew, her signature pies, and finished off chocolate Obah truffles. A few of the wonderful gifts were among a formidable staff given by her dear brother Trey. It would take quite some time to learn, but it was a wonderfully worthy gift for an aspiring heirophant. She sported a new set of boots, mithril studded leather only for the followers of The Mother. Gules was gifted with many arrows, a tailored quiver for him to store them, other trinkets, as well as a new, impressive scimitar that fit well in his practiced hands thanks to the High Priest. The reception stilled when Gules stood and cleared his throat, subtly drawing their attention. The guests grew silent as they finished their meals and congratulations, fixing their attention on Ally's Hero as he spoke.

"Before we all part and continue our separate paths, I'd like to extend our thanks to you all for being here." As he spoke, he reached for the hand of his bride, which she took eagerly, slim fingers squeezing his in her excitement. "It means much to have friends willing to take such a journey to share in our moment of joy. Thank you for the gifts, for the well wishes...and for the friendship. Be well, all of you."

At the end of his words, he turned towards her, his smile and quick nod signalling that it was time to depart. "I cannot thank you all enough for being here today. May Tunare be your guide." After her soft farewell, her ginger lashes fluttered closed and the familiar warmth of Tunare's power swelled inside of her, words of ancient lore flitting past her lips in a method so practiced it became unbidden. A rift was opened in time and space, the winds of ether swirling around them both to swallow them whole and they embarked on their new destiny forged in two souls.