A Joining of Souls - Gules

The party was gathered atop a low hill in the Dawnshroud Peaks, overlooking a small lake that glittered underneath the bright, noonday sun of Luclin like a scattering of precious cerulean gems. Comprised of members of various races and vocations, the group ranged from the short, but stout Baekken, a noble member of the furfooted Halflings, to the proud and tall figure of the Koada'Dal Paladin, Samail. The majority were Fier'Dal, however, as were the two nervously fidgeting figures that seemed to be the focus of everyone's rapt attention. Crowned with hair the color of spun gold, and watching with darkly intense eyes, Gulerian Aspenglade was wearing the raiment of one of Tunare's Outriders, the sworn protectors of the wood. Diligently at his side, Alluriel Silverymoon, a crimson-haired Druidess, scanned the crowd with a pair of startling emerald eyes. Both stood in front of Priest Windthistle, shuffling their feet and awaiting his commands.

Trading a nervous glance, Alluriel and Gulerian exchanged a series of rapid-fire thoughts- assurances, questions about preparedness for this, the most important day of their young lives. Calmed by the familiar feel of Ally's mind joined with his, Gules took a furtive glance at the gathering. There was Thale, tall and regal, preparing his ceremonial gear. Renk, the High Priest of his Matron Saeliu, regarding the couple with his normal, slight grin. The Ivy-clad figure of Glenorian, a sister of his profession and one of his few true friends. The thought crossed his mind quickly " This is why we do what we do..for our companions, our friends..." But was interrupted by the sound of Thale clearing his throat, seeking the attention of the group.

Gules turned towards the priest, Thale holding 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, 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.

With a last glance around, Gules stepped forward in step with Ally, both of them kneeling on the silk. Focusing, trying to hear Thale over the thundering of his heart in his chest, he briefly closed his eyes, took a deep, cleansing breath, and opened them again.

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."

Reaching to allow Ally's slim fingers to lace with his, the familiar shock of sensation calming him further, the Ranger took a last look at those assembled before once again focusing his attention on the priest as Thale began the ceremony.

"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." At these words, Gules noticed Ally casting a quick glance at her brother, then turning her eyes back to Thale as he continued." I welcome you all, warmly and happily."

As the words drifted into his ears, Gulerian looked at the kneeling elfess at his side, regarding her with the same look of wonder as he always did. Clad in a dark green, accenting the hue of her eyes and offsetting her fiery hair, the sight of her caused a quick hitch in the Ranger's chest. His mind raced at the thought that this was real, all finally coming true...

Moving his eyes away from his bride, catching another quick image of the friends gathered, Glenorian dabbing at her eyes with a swatch of cloth, Treybor smiling at his elder sister, his reverie was broken again by the voice of Thale as he began his well- prepared words.

"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. Gules used the pause to steal another glance at Ally, seeing her turn a

bright smile his way, 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."

As Thale spoke, images raced through Gules' mind- the first time he saw her, young and innocent, disappearing into the throng in her home city. Faces of comrades lost, of friends found- and lastly his mind turned to Maeryn, the closest to family he had ever known, now missing and unheard from. The stinging urge of tears was blinked back furiously, Gules daring not to spoil this joyous day with dark thoughts. Ally smiled at him again, her joy contagious, lifting his spirit and driving the memory from his mind in an instant. His full attention returned to Thale again, taking in the words.

"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."

He then turned his 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?"

Gules was barely able to breathe for the pounding of his heart, and he looked over to his love for a quick moment, then back to the priest, answering in the most authoratative tone he could muster, "Aye, it is", before turning again to look at Ally- beaming at him, smiling brightly, her emerald eyes glittering. At the sight of her, a smile formed on the Ranger's face, the rest of the party forgotten as he sank into the green depths. The brief silence was broken again by Thale, turning to Alluriel to pose the question of her.

"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?"

Catching his breath, Gules waited for her answer, knowing but fearing that it was too good to be true. He saw her nod quickly, set her eyes on Thale before sliding to meet his and answer, "Aye... aye it is.."

His heart racing even faster, making him fear it would burst from his chest, Gules had almost missed the signal to exchange rings. Two thin 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.

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!" Then, as the pair rose, he turned to Gules and said " You may kiss your wife, Gulerian".

Standing in front of the gathering, cheers and Gnomish tinkered fireworks erupting all around, Gules placed a gentle hand on Ally's cheek, followed by a gentle kiss, finalizing the bond between their souls. A wave of joy leapt into his mind, so strong it threatened to overwhelm his senses, followed by the repeated sound of her name in his head.."Alluriel Aspenglade...".

The rest of the evening was a whirlwind of activity, things happening faster than Gules could comprehend. The sharing of the feast, laughing, happy congratulations, the acceptance of gifts and wishes of good fortune. The party lasted some time, until finally, as the guests began to say their good byes, Gules stood and cleared his throat.

"Before we all part and continue our seperate 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, so the two stood close. "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 to his new wife, smiling and nodding quickly. At this sign, Ally called upon Tunare's winds of ether, opening a rift of space and the couple faded from view, hand in hand, to meet their destiny and their future as one.

(Missing parts in here, once again. Ally and Gules continued to serve with the Thexian-led army, both reaching a high standing in the ranks and helping the combined Elven force fend off the workings of the Necromancer. Just before this next part, they quarreled over Gules being stubborn)