A/N: Ok, so I hope this is ok. I might continue on after this, but, ah, it will up the rating of the fic. I tried to stick as much as I could to the traditional Greek ceremony, hope its ok.
Disclaimer: Don't own them.
Dedication: To Queen Arwen. Sorry about the Hector dream I had, hopefully this will make up for it. And I hope this makes you feel better too!
Andromache awoke to the sun in her face, and Cresida fussing about the room. It took her a second to take in her surroundings and to remember what had to happen today. She quickly sat up and moved tried to get Cresida's attention. Cresida rushed over and grabbed her arm and yanked her out of bed.
"You should not have slept this late, though it could have been worse." She said moving Andromache to the bathing room. The room was humid and Andromache took a second to adjust to the heat. She watched as a little girl carried a vase of water and set it down, waiting for Andromache to step into the water. She slipped out of her dress and stepped into the bath. When she was seated the girl poured the water over her head. Attendants washed her thoroughly, then ushered her out. She was dried and then they dressed her in a pure white kieten, and placed a veil over her head. It covered her face and hair, which had been pulled back and put up with out her knowledge.
"You look beautiful." Briseis said as she walked in. "It is time to begin."
Andromache was escorted down to where the ceremony was to be held, as well as the feast. She was amazed to see the decorations that were around her, looking at the many tables that were placed in the hall.
Cresida moved Andromache to where she would begin to walk. She was to be Andromache's helper, staying with her until a new one would be given.
Andromache walked down the aisle to where Hector was standing. Her father was also there, as was custom, but she could only keep her eyes on Hector. She felt nervous and excited at the same time. She knew that this was not the most important part of the ceremony, only a small part. The world seemed to glow through her veil. She arrived at the end, and moved to join Hector in sacrificing to the gods.
They finished the final prayer and were whisked off to the high table, and placed in the center on cushions. Food was brought forward, more exquisite than Andromache had ever seen before. Honey with sesame seeds was placed in front of them; roast lamb was served as well. Olives were in plenty. Foods that Andromache had never seen before were placed in front of her. Once all the guests were seated, the women on one side of the hall and the men on the other, Priam stepped forward.
"Friends, here we are gathered to honor the marriage between Hector of Troy and Andromache of Thebe. May the gods bless them. Let us eat and rejoice!" His voice boomed over the crowd. Wine was brought and musicians began to sing and play.
Hector looked at Andromache and smiled. She was still unsure of the day, and what this marriage entailed for her. She poured Hector a glass of wine and offered it to him. He took it and offered her one in return. She had to slide the cup under her veil and drink. This caused Hector to laugh, and Andromache to resist the urge to hit him, as she would have done with her brothers.
The songs became more suggestive with the passing hours. Wine was in plenty and people were beginning to show its effects. Many people came and offered blessings and their hopes that the gods would bless them with a child. With the day's excitement, and all the food and wine Andromache had consumed, nearing the end she laid her head on Hector's shoulder, not thinking what she was doing. Hector looked down at her head with surprise, but made no move to move her.
Paris noticed this and swaggered over to them. "Dear brother, I see that you will not be cold tonight." Andromache quickly sat back up and blushed, so brightly that it could be seen clearly through her veil.
"Paris, do you not have any decency?" Hector said, through gritted teeth. Paris caught the look of a passing maiden, and began to follow her.
"Sorry Hector, I feel I must find my warmth for the night." He said with a smile, rushing after the girl.
"I am sorry for my brother's behavior. I fear that Dionysus' drink has softened his mind." Hector said exasperated.
"I have brothers of my own, and listened to them teasing each other about their goings on." Andromache said dryly. "Though I was never a part in it before, of any kind. I believe they threatened any one whom so much as looked at me." She added under her breath. Hector smiled. She moved to put her head back on his shoulder, and stopped. "Would it be all right if I rest my head on your shoulder?" Andromache asked.
"You do not have to ask." Hector said. She smiled and relaxed into him. Just as she was drifting off to sleep, as Helios' horses galloped across the sky, almost letting Selene go for her nightly journey, King Eetion came over to his daughter.
"It is time for your last journey, child." Now came more of the ceremony. Andromache moved away from Hector, and stood by her father.
A boy walked over to join them. He was introduced with the name of Nikius, to be their amphithales. Andromache handed him a basket full of bread, and he went around and handed that out to the guests. The basket was more a baby cradle than anything else, one that would be given to Andromache as soon as the ceremony was done. He a headdress as vines and nuts, and repeated the phrase "I have fled worst and have found better." Once everyone had bread, he came back and took Andromache's hand. He led her outside, with everyone else in toe. He stopped at the place that he knew that he should and waited for Eetion and Hector to arrive, still holding Andromache's hand. Near by, there was a chariot waiting for her and Hector to take back to their new home. The guest gathered to line the street, and Cresida and Briseis and others gathered torches to light Hector and Andromache's way.
Once everything was in place, the child went to go join his parents again, leaving Andromache's hand in her father's. He then spoke clearly "In front of witnesses I give you my daughter, for your wife and for the baring of legitimate children." With that he let go of her hand and Hector grabbed her wrist. He ran with her to the chariot and urged the horses to go before much time had passed. All of this was symbolic of her leaving her old home for her new one, but Andromache still felt sorrow at her leaving.
Torches lit the way to their new home, and people were still singing and dancing on the sides of the streets. Most throw petals and flowers at the couple and cheered when they pass. Paris jumped in the chariot after a little, looking very pleased with himself and standing next to Hector. Hector moved his hand from Andromache's wrist to around her shoulder when he jumped on.
They rode through the town, and arrived back at the palace, taking what seemed like a route around the city. On the steps stood Hecuba, holding a light to greet Andromache into her home.
She was preparing to step out of the chariot, when Hector picked her up and brought her up the stairs. She grabbed hold of his neck and screamed at the movement, much to the excitement of the crowd. Paris helped bring the chariot up the stairs after them.
Once everything was in place, Hecuba handed the torch to Andromache saying, "I give you the light of the hearth to keep in your home, my it be this one." And Andromache set fire to the chariot, preventing her way back to her old house. Paris was still a little too close, and his clothes caught one fire. He jumped and quickly tore off the piece of clothing, letting it burn on the ground. Everyone laughed and Paris stalked away, finding the maiden from before again.
Then Hector moved into place. He stood before her. He took hold of the bottom of her veil, and slowly lifted it over her head. The piece feel to the ground and Andromache took a minuet to adjust to the darkness of the night with out the veil. Hector met her eyes and they kissed my to the pleasure of the crowd.
Priam came forward. "I now say that Hector and Andromache are married, and any child she bares will be his heir. My their marriage be fruitful and a happy one." And Hector kissed Andromache again, before lifting her into his arms again and carrying her to their chambers.
Responses:
lady scribe of avandell: Glad you liked the beginning, hope this lives up to it! Thanks for the review!
lilycup: Thanks for the site and glad you liked it! Thanks for the review!
Spider: Does this make up for the dream? Glad you liked how Andromache acted! Yes Hector was gorgeous. Thanks for the review!
LOTR-nutcase: The shaking things up can come for fights later. Glad you liked it, maybe I will continue more with this. Thanks for the review!
Lady HadesThanks for the review! Glad you liked it and if my muse will let me, I will write more like this, though she seems to like Éowyn and Faramir more at the moment.
Telhyandowen: Thanks for the nice review! The links were a great help! And glad you liked it! Saw your review on my other story, I love Faramir and Éowyn too! Again, glad you liked it and thanks for the review!