Disclaimer: I am poor and own nothing. And because I'm poor, this is my only source of entertainment, so please do not sue.
Authors Note: The wedding ceremony used is actually a form of a Traditional Hand fasting taken from Ivy's Pentacles at http/members. It's a really informative site in case anyone is curious about learning more about Pagan or Wiccan ceremonies.
Cardeia – To quote a very famous blonde vampire slayer, "Love makes you do the wacky" and Dagonet just proved that theory to be true in the last chapter did he not? I'm glad you enjoyed the bathhouse scene since it gave me the most trouble it makes me feel so much better that you enjoyed it. I'm glad you enjoyed the reconciliation as well. I thought dealing it after Guinevere's death, while they were both grieving, would be the best way. Glad I could make your evening. Enjoy those sexy men while you toil away…I know I did when I went to water our plants. Thanks for reviewing.
Tracy137 – LOL! I'm glad you enjoyed it so much. That pillow's going to sue me I just know it is. LMFAO! Well-guided contraceptive pill? You must use that in the House story! Seriously you must! Well it could have been worse…Lucan could have gotten his language from you or me! LOL! And no I don't own any stocks in Kleenex anymore. So very true…a slip of the tongue I assure you. Good pointed fluff! Glad you loved it. Hope you enjoy this one as well.
TriGemini – Glad you enjoyed the chapter. Thanks for reviewing.
June Birdie – LOL! You make me laugh, truly you do! Glad you're happy for Tris and Mariska…I was pretty ready to write that scene as well. We're working on it now, so take heart and I'll ran that by her and she and I agree you can have him if we kill her off. But we haven't gotten that far yet, so depending on our mood she may yet live. I love a reviewer who's not afraid to ask for what she wants. Reminds me of me. Thanks for reviewing.
Sea Cucumber – Thank you for that image, it made me laugh! But don't worry; even if he did knock her up, it's not going to affect the wedding. You'll see why here. Thank you for your kind words (no I didn't stop reading, I read all reviews straight through). And thank you again for reviewing!
Lilstrummrgrl527 – I had that lecture once or twice when I was growing up as well. And must agree they are just words, but I'm sure I'd feel the same way if I heard my seven year old telling someone to 'Fk off' unless of course they deserved it. Not just songs though, television and older kids too. There's no censoring everything so just accept that the kid will eventually hear the word and use it. Hell my dad still gives me grief about my swearing and I'm 21 so go figure. Glad you're happy with the marriage and should thus enjoy this chapter. It's sad men don't understand comfort food as much as women…a real pity for both them and the chocolate companies. Glad you enjoyed the Arthur Jasmine interaction as well. It wasn't that hard to write actually but re-reading it got me a bit blurry eyed. Guinevere and her were about the same age. So her mother and grandmother died not too far apart. Guinevere was just a few months younger probably. Glad you enjoyed the bathhouse scene. I was kinda worried about it as it gave me the most trouble to write but it seems all has turned out for the best. Thanks for reviewing.
Snape's Opera Rose – Oh come on you know you would have splashed him too! LOL, I would have. Glad you enjoyed the chapter. And I agree he should never listen to Uncle Bors. Thanks for reviewing.
Ryn the whitepanther – Glad you loved it. Enjoy this one as well! And thanks for reviewing.
Kal's Gal – Will do. No intention of stopping yet actually. Thanks for reviewing.
Lunawolf – I'm beginning to believe you and Jack Sparrow would be a dangerous, yet funny, combination. Glad you liked Jas and Arthur (I don't mind the shortened names so no one else should either, as so I decree). And there will be much getting over the cow. I hate the cow. Hence the cow's death in this story. Yeah it was pretty bastardly of him to do it, but at least she has a better understanding now of why. Well I'm very glad that you are proof of that and here to review! Would be a sad (and have been less painful for Cornell) world had you not been. I wouldn't mind being both of them either. Hopefully you are able to live as vicariously through this story as I am. Thanks for reviewing.
LANCELOTTRISTANBABY – Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for reviewing.
Sorceress Misha – Yes, as we all tend to be. Mariska's had it rough and she's only barely learning to trust and love again. So it's going to be a hard road for her yet. Fortunately, as a scout, Tristan is very patient. Thanks for reviewing.
Greenday11 – Bout time isn't it? LOL! Thanks for reviewing.
Evenstar-mor2004 – Yeah since Tristan would have killed them I thought it best they didn't interrupt. Dragon's blood is hard to describe. It's kind of like a sweet perfumy smell; I guess you could describe it that way. I don't know how to really describe it any more than dragon's blood smells like dragon's blood. The cat I'm trying to describe is the one from the fancy feast commercials. Thanks for reviewing.
The Priestesses of Avalon
Chapter Fifteen: A Crowning and A Wedding
After a long afternoon spent in the comfort of Jasmine's arms Arthur made his way determinedly towards the tavern. It was late that evening and all the knights and Priestesses, as well as Merlin had gathered there. Ale and wine were flowing freely as they all celebrated Dagonet and Hayley's engagement. Arthur watched, with a hint of sadness as all the newfound couples seemed to be rather cuddly. Esmeralda sat on Lancelot's lap as he played dice; Mariska sat next to Merlin at the table while behind her Tristan stood with Gawain and Galahad, two barmaids not far off, the younger knights trying desperately to beat the more experienced scout while his hand rested in her hair, massaging her scalp as he awaited his turn; Vanora and Bors were even closer than usual, both trying to sooth their teething baby while Dag and Hayley cuddled close, discussing wedding plans.
It was all a very sad reminder of what he had possessed not one week ago. Sighing and about to turn away he felt an arm link through his own. Startled, he looked down to see Jasmine standing next to him, smiling softly up at him.
"Lean on me as much as you need to," she said softly. "I know how hard this can be."
He smiled gratefully at her, kicking himself that she could not see it, and whispered a soft, "Thank you lady," giving her hand a squeeze as they walked further into the tavern.
"Arthur!" Galahad called loudly, hoping to throw Tristan off his game as he threw the dagger. Sadly, the young knight had no luck as the Scout's dagger embedded it self square in the middle of Gawain's once again. Galahad began to grumble as he walked across the way to collect the daggers.
"Arthur, Jasmine have you heard the news of Hayley and Dagonet?" Mariska asked, rising and rushing over noticing the way that Arthur was clinging to Jasmine, a small smile appearing on her lips. So that is whom destiny has chosen for him, she thought, leaning over and hugging her sister Priestess.
"Aye I have," Jas hugged her back. "Now let me hug her," she teased, the sisters sharing a knowing look, a promise to share their news later.
Lancelot and Esmeralda walked up then, smiling happily as she leaned against Lancelot, their arms wrapped about each other's waists. He looked down and smiled at her, leaning over and kissing her forehead before releasing her and coming up to Arthur, clapping him on the back and taking his arm into his other hand. "How fare you Arthur?" he asked lowly. By this time the others had wandered over, the women all grouping together and talking softly and excitedly, the other knights watching them in amusement.
"Better old friend," Arthur nodded slowly. "A little better today."
"Good," he squeezed Arthur's shoulder again before they both walked over to join the rest of the group who were all still chatting about Hayley and Dagonet.
Arthur couldn't help but smile at the clear joy that was on his old friends face as he hugged his wife to be close to his side, the small woman dwarfed by his tall frame, her own face simply glowing.
They fell silent as Arthur and Lancelot joined them, unsure what to say to the future king.
"Dagonet, congratulations," Arthur said, holding out his arm to his old friend, clamping it tightly. "It could not be happening to a better man."
"Thank you Arthur, although, I can think of six better men," he smiled at his commander.
"Now you must let me kiss the bride," Arthur said quickly, not wishing to get too emotional. He had been sad all day, and for now he wished a bit of mirth if only to keep some sanity in his mind. "As the future king it is my right," he smiled and walked up to Hayley, taking her about the shoulders and kissing each of her cheeks in turn. "You will make a lovely bride my lady."
"Your future majesty is too kind," Hayley curtsied low before rising again, returning her arm to Dagonet's.
"Have you set a date yet?" Jasmine asked, reaching her hand out to have Arthur take it, pulling her next to him once again, feeding him her strength.
"Nay, we have only decided," Hayley began only to be cut off.
"What of tomorrow?" Arthur asked, surprising everyone. "Plans were already in place for a wedding," he left out the part that it was to be his own, ignoring the pain again, squeezing Jasmine's arm for support. "Why could you not do it then."
"Do you not think it too soon Arthur?" Mariska asked, her, Hayley and Esmeralda exchanging a worried look.
"Nay, Merlin, could you not perform the ceremony for them?" he turned towards the old Shaman, who nodded in agreement after a moments thought.
"Aye. Guinevere would wish it so as well," he said after a moment a pain flashing across his eyes as he spoke his daughters' name, and Arthur's at hearing it. While Mariska walked briskly over to Merlin, wrapping her grandfather in a comforting hug, Jasmine gave Arthur's arm a reassuring squeeze; her hand finding it's way into his own unnoticeably. At least to all save an over observant scout who said nothing.
"Than it is settled," Arthur said, a smile on his face that did not quite reach his eyes. "If you two desire it that is?"
Hayley and Dagonet looked at each other for a moment, sharing a silent conversation with their eyes before both nodded.
"Good, then it is settled," Arthur smiled, truly happy for his friend for a moment. "Come let us celebrate then!" A cheer went up around the tavern and the knights fell into their familiar patterns of talk and merriment, as the women once again became enraptured in a deep conversation about the wedding tomorrow and what yet needed to be done. And for a moment, with Jasmine sitting next to him, speaking to the girls, yet her hand still holding his beneath the table, Arthur felt at peace.
xoxoxoxoxoxox
Late that night, Mariska lay snuggled against Tristan, a feeling of pleasant exhaustion settled about them as she traced the scars over his chest, her head on his shoulder and her long red hair falling about her own, barely covering her exposed breasts. "She will help him mend," she said after a moment, her fingers continuing their path over his body, enjoying the feel of his firm muscles beneath them. "Do you not think so?"
"Aye, already he leans heavily on her and his heart has lightened," Tristan brushed his fingers through her hair as they lied there, a content feeling settling over him. He could definitely become used to nights spent this way.
"Should I tell him the message Guinevere gave me for him?" she asked, looking up at him.
"Too soon I think," he replied after a moment's thought, kissing her head.
"I believe Jasmine is who my mother told me of," Mariska said after a moment, snuggling closer to him. Mariska had told him everything that had happened to her on that final trip to Elysia, as he had told her of what Miranda had said to him. "They both deserve some happiness now."
"They are not alone," Tristan added watching her closely. She looked even more beautiful, if that were possible, the firelight dancing off her pale features.
"Aye. You all do," she agreed, adjusting herself to rest on top of him, her arms brought up so that her chin rested on the backs of her fingers. "As do my sisters."
"And what of you?" he asked, reaching up to brush a stray hair away from her eyes.
"I know not how I could be happier than I am in this very moment," she smiled, leaning forward to kiss his lips gently. The kiss slowly deepened as he rolled her onto her back, his lips trailing down her jaw to her neck and then down towards her collarbone. She giggled as he nipped at the skin. "I stand corrected I see," she murmured, tangling her hand in his hair to pull his lips back up to her own, looking forward to a night with little sleep.
xoxoxoxoxoxox
Arthur was surprised to walk into his room and find Merlin waiting for him. He had spent a few more hours at the tavern and then left to the meeting hall with Jasmine again before walking her back to her quarters, saying good night.
"Merlin? What is it?" he asked walking further into the room, wondering what the old Shaman could wish to see him about at such a late hour.
"Come Arthur, sit with an old man for a moment," Merlin said, sinking into one of the chairs near the fire, Arthur walking further into the room, closing the door and following suit.
After they were both settled Merlin took a deep breath, leaning back in the chair, twirling his walking stick slowly in his hand. "My daughter, loved you more than she was ready to admit," he began after a moment. "She was too young for such a love, I see now, and she ran from it, as most do. She was not strong of will, my daughter, but she was very strong of spirit and of heart. And full of passion."
"Why do you tell me this now? Things I was already well aware," Arthur asked, feeling sad and tired.
"Because she would wish you to be happy boy," he said adamantly. "If you see happiness again grasp it and hold it close for it does not happen often in a lifetime. Take it from a very old man."
Arthur watched him rise, slowly, and walk over, giving the young mans arm a squeeze. "Carpe diem as your people would say," he said, before turning and walking slowly to the door. As he reached it Arthur spoke.
"I loved her very much," he said softly.
"I know that," Merlin paused, his hand resting on the knob. "And so did she." Without another word he was gone, leaving Arthur alone with a lot on his mind.
xoxoxoxoxoxox
The next day, bright and early, Mariska stood in the middle of the rooms the four Priestesses had been sharing, which now only belonged to Jasmine, fuming as the other three women and Vanora helped her to dress for the crowning ceremony.
"I do not see why I have to do this," she grumbled, looking down at the source of her displeasure. The dress was a thick wool, and sky blue in color, with a high neck, that went all the way to under her ears, and long belled out sleeves, which covered both her hands, and was almost three sizes two big for her. It was a despicable dress and the neck made it very hard to move in but was supposed to present an air of dignity. "Hayley is the eldest!"
"Aye but I am to be married today," Hayley countered with a grin, stitching a smaller seem into the back, trying desperately to make the dress fit its angry wearer. "I am so distracted by nerves I would upset the ceremony."
"Jasmine…"
"Do not start on me sister! I cannot even see the ceremony…"
"Esmeralda…"
"I nay know the words," Esmeralda giggled, as she worked at Mariska's hair, pulling it up and back into a tight bun. "You are our only hope."
"Vanora, did you ever wish to become a Priestess?" she asked hopefully.
"Nay lass, not if I must wear that!"
Mariska continued to grumble as they finished up on her hair and dress. As soon as they were done, Esmeralda helped her down from the stool she was standing on. "Very well, Jasmine go and see that Arthur is ready please. He may yet need your strength," she was unsteady in the stiff material and held tightly to Esmeralda's arm. "And Hayley, if you could see that everyone else is ready as well."
"Aye, but first," Hayley suddenly grew nervous and looked to Jasmine, who smiled and nodded in encouragement. "There is something I need ask you…"
"Well ask then Hayley," Mariska turned to her, crossing her arms over her chest expectantly.
"I was wondering…if you would be the one to preside over the wedding as well this afternoon…" she looked hopefully over at Mariska.
"I would be honored," Mariska breathed, holding her arms open to her sister who rushed into them. The two embraced, tears coming to all their eyes as Jasmine made her way out the door, the words "So long as I do not have to wear this dress," floating out after her, followed by the women's laughter.
xoxoxoxoxoxox
"Nervous?" Lancelot asked as Arthur slipped on the last piece of his armor, standing before the looking glass and adjusting it so that everything was looking it's best.
"I am about to be made King Lancelot. The fate of everyone on this isle will lie in the decisions I will have to make," Arthur said, glaring over at his friend.
"So only slightly then?" Lance teased.
Arthur smirked then, glad to have his dearest friend still by his side. He did not know what he would have done had Esmeralda been unable to save him. "With you at my side Lancelot, then yes, only slightly."
"And let us not forget the five brave drunkards waiting outside with the others," Lancelot's grin broadened as he referred to his fellow knights. "You will be a good king Arthur," he said seriously. "We would not back you otherwise." He rose and they clasped hands.
"Thank you my friend," Arthur said, gripping Lancelot's arm firmly. "That means much coming from you."
"Arthur?" They both turned to see Jasmine walking into the room, her hand out in front of her, to help her find her way through the slightly cluttered area.
"Jasmine," Arthur said, immediately going over and taking her hand in his and bringing it to his lips before leading her further into the room. Lancelot noted with satisfaction that Arthur's face had lightened considerably when she appeared.
"Are you almost ready? The others are waiting for you," she paused for a moment before adding. "Hello Lancelot."
"Hello Lady Jasmine," Lancelot bowed, taking her hand and kissing the knuckles. "You look lovely today. I will leave you to get him to where he needs to be, while I am away to find Esmeralda."
"She is in the room with Mariska still," Jasmine supplied, linking her arm with Arthur's.
"Thank you lady," he bowed his head in thanks, blushing as he remembered she could not see it, before ducking out of the room.
"He was right, you do look lovely," Arthur said, as soon as they were alone.
"Thank you. And you look very handsome," she smiled up at him.
"And how can you tell that today my lady?" he asked as they began to make their way out of the room and towards the courtyard where the horses were waiting to take them to the clearing for the ceremony.
"Just because I do not see does not mean I miss the obvious," she teased him, bringing a hand up to caress his face gently. Arthur closed his eyes for a moment, enjoying her soft touch against his skin. "And you are still just as handsome as yesterday. So I am correct."
He smiled at her as they made their way out into the clearing to find the others waiting on them. Hayley and Dagonet were talking in whispers, happy smiles on their faces, while Lancelot busied himself with kissing Esmeralda's hand, telling her how the sun palled in comparison to her lovely face whilst she rolled her eyes at him, blushing softly; Bors and Vanora were buys organizing the children and Merlin watched on in amusement as Mariska glared at Galahad and Gawain, who were both laughing at her general discomfort and Tristan tried his best to keep her from killing them.
"And where is the rest of the town?" Arthur asked, drawing all their attention to him.
"They have already left for the clearing atop Baden Hill," Merlin answered, rapping Galahad on the top of the head with his walking stick, earning a snicker from Gawain, a satisfied smile from Mariska and an approving look from Tristan. "We were merely waiting to accompany you."
"And trying to figure out how to get Mariska onto her horse," Gawain sniggered, ducking Merlin's stick only to have it come up and rap him on the ass.
"Figure out yourself," Mariska fumed bringing her fingers to her lips and giving a loud whistle, bringing her horse forward. "Look at this madness will you?" she said to the beast, holding her hands out to show her dress. "And they expect me to move in it!"
The great white stallion snorted in response before lowering himself to the ground.
"Thank you kindly," she held out her arm to Tristan who helped her settle on the saddle before the beast rose again. "You were saying?" she raised an eyebrow at the two youngest knights, a smirk firm on her face.
"Come then," Arthur said, helping Jasmine to mount as the others began to as well, Bors and Van loading the children into a wagon. "Let us go and make me King."
xoxoxoxoxoxox
With the towns people and Woads, as well as his knights gathered on the hill where the Saxons had been defeated and where two of his bravest, most loyal friends had almost lost their lives, Arthur stood as he was made King of Britain.
"Artorius Castus, Son of Uther of Rome and Igraine of Britain. You laid down your life to defend these people, proving yourself by this action, and by the fact that these knights gathered here chose to follow you, to be a brave and honorable man. As such, the people of Britain have chosen you to serve as their King. To up hold the freedom of the people; to be righteous and fair; and above all else, place the safety of the people and the kingdom before yourself. Do you accept all this and more? Do you vow to serve these people?" Merlin asked as he stood before him, Excalibur in his old, wrinkled hands.
"I do," Arthur knelt before the old Shaman who nodded, a proud smile on his face, before turning towards Mariska. "Priestess of Avalon, what say you?"
Mariska stepped forward then, her face a mask of seriousness. "I stand here a representative of the great Temple of Avalon. As the people choose Artorius to be king, so doth the Priestesses of Avalon support their choice. For as we serve the people, so now shall he." She walked forward past him, to stand in the center of the people who had formed a circle about them, the knights and other Priestesses at the front. She held her hands up towards the sky and called out as loud as her voice would manage. "AS THE GODS ABOVE BLESS THIS SUPREME HONOR SO DO THE PRIESTESSES OF AVALON! AND SO SHALL IT BE PROTECTED BY OUR MAGIC AND BY OUR LIVES IT SHALL BE UPHELD!"
A cheer went up around the crowd as Merlin raised Excalibur up, bringing the broad side down on each of Arthur's shoulders. "I dub you King Arthur!"
Another cheer went up round the crowd and the Woad fighters, stationed at the hill released their flaming arrows in a barrage of fireworks. Finally Britain had a worthy King.
xoxoxoxoxoxox
Later as the sunset at the rocks of Stonehenge, flowers of every kind were laid out, decorating the area. An alter had been set up on one of the stones and was set with two white candles as well as a wand made from a willow tree. Mariska was busy heating up a coal when Tristan walked up, dressed in his finest. His hair was combed nicely and his braids had been redone, after he had submitted to letting Mariska wash it.
"Almost ready?" he asked, carving at the apple in his hand, offering her a slice.
"Completely save the rings, the couple and the guests," she smiled at him, taking the slice and biting down on it thoughtfully. She had her white gown on this time, her hair down about her shoulders, only the top swept back. Her green eyes sparkled in anticipation.
"They are on their way," Tristan watched her in awe as she bustled around again. Her hands never stopped moving he'd noticed. Even when they lay in bed, her hands would be busy, tracing the scars on his body or playing with the braids in his hair. She could not just sit idle it appeared.
"And what has you so enraptured my dear scout?" she asked, catching his eyes upon her and smiling.
"You," he answered, tossing the apple away from the clearing and replacing his dagger wiping his hands over his shirt, his eyes never leaving her. He crossed the distance between them in two strides and took her into his arms, kissing her deeply, both becoming lost in the embrace.
"My, my, seems two weddings may be in order," Lancelot laughed as the knights began to gather, Merlin leading them, the rest of the guests of the village following close behind.
"So it would seem," Esmeralda grinned, watching as Mariska and Tristan quickly broke apart.
The knights and guests all fell into place, Hayley and Dagonet coming to stand before Mariska and Merlin and the alter. They handed them the wedding bands that the smithy had made for them the night before, and then took a few steps back, coming to stand between Lancelot and Tristan. Together, Merlin and Mariska took the rings and slid them over the willow branch before setting it back down next to the other items.
As everyone finished settling, Mariska looked on at the two people before her with pride. Hayley was the picture of loveliness, standing in the dress Mariska had worn to raise the dragon, it having been altered to fit her. A soft red veil rested over her hair and she held a bunch of flowers that Lucan had picked for her that morning. The young boy himself was standing proudly next to Dagonet, his clothes and hair freshly laundered and a large excited grin upon his face.
As soon as everyone had settled Merlin and Mariska nodded to one another and lit the two candles on the alter and threw the incense onto the coal, watching as it began to smolder and the smell of roses filled the air. They turned their backs on the alter then, facing the gathering.
"May the place of this right be consecrated for the Gods," Merlin began, his voice strong and filled with power and joy. "For we gather here in a ritual of love with two who would be wedded. Dagonet and Hayley please come forward and stand here before us, and before the Gods of nature."
Hayley and Dag stepped forward, arm in arm, both looking as if their faces were to burst from the smiles they held. Mariska smiled at them both and began to speak, her voice equally as strong and loud.
"Be with us here, O beings of the Air. With your clever fingers tie closely the bonds between these two."
As she spoke Lancelot looked down at Esmeralda, who had her hand resting on his arm and smiled. Perhaps one day soon it would be them before that alter he thought, a dopey grin coming to his face, before turning his attention back to the ceremony.
"Be with us here, O beings of Fire. Give their love and passion your own all-consuming ardor." Mariska continued, her voice growing stronger.
Gawain and Galahad were busy nudging one another dopey grins on their faces. Now they needed to find women of their own and do this jointly. That would be something for the entire fort to discuss. They grinned knowingly at one another as Mariska continued.
"Be with us here, O beings of Water. Give them the deepest of love and the richness of the body, of the soul and of the spirit."
As Arthur gazed at the couple he could not help but think of the fact that this was to be his wedding, not Dagonet's. That thought did not surprise him. What did surprise him however was the fact that he was not saddened as he should be. He was filled with joy and love for the two people joining together before him. And as he looked down at Jasmine, who was leaning on his arm, a smile on her angelic face, he was sure he had the answer as to why.
"Be with us here, O beings of Earth. Let your strength and constancy be theirs for so long as they desire to remain together," Mariska went on, her smile only growing.
Tristan could not help but think at that moment, he had never seen her look more beautiful.
"Blessed Goddess and Laughing God, give to these before you, we do ask, your love and protection," Mariska's smile was as wide as it could ever get now.
Vanora wiped at her eyes a bit, the baby on her hip. Bors, looking over saw and wrapped an arm about her shoulders, earning a smile as she gazed lovingly up at him. One day he'd work up the nerve to marry her. When he was drunk enough…
"Blessed be," Mariska finished, her eyes and face glowing now.
"Blessed be," everyone intoned as Mariska and Merlin turned, picking up the branch together and holding it between them, the rings shining against the wood.
"Place your right hands over this wand and your rings, his hands over hers," Mariska said, smiling as Hayley and Dagonet did so. She knew her face would hurt beyond no means later on from all the grinning she was doing, but she had no doubt that a certain scout would be able to cure it for her.
Merlin stood back, saying nothing, and watched, a proud smile on his face, as Mariska continued on with the ceremony, which had been Hayley's wish.
"Above you are the stars and below you are the stones. As time does pass remember, like a star should your love be constant. Like a stone should your love be firm. Be close, but not too close. Possess one another, but be understanding. Have patience each with the other. For storms will come, but they will go quickly. Be free in the giving of affection and warmth. Make love often and be sensuous with one another. Have no fear and let not the ways or words of the unenlightened give you unease. For the Goddess and the God are with you, now and always." As she spoke, Mariska handed them the rings.
She paused for five full beats of her heart, noting that there was very few dry eyes amongst the audience as even Jols had to pretend that it was dust and nothing more. Smiling softly she continued.
"Is it your wish, Hayley, to become one with this man?"
"Aye. More than anyone present could know," Hayley smiled up at Dagonet who grinned down back at her, his armor freshly polished for the occasion as he stood proudly by her side, slipping the ring onto his finger.
"Is it your wish, Dagonet, to become one with this woman?" Mariska asked.
"Aye. By the Gods that is all I desired since I looked into her face when I first awoke from death," he replied, earning a blush from Hayley as he slipped the ring onto her own finger.
"Do any say nay?" Mariska asked the crowd.
"Keepin' in mind that you say anything, you answer to me," Bors growled to everyone, earning a slap in the arm from Vanora and delighted laughter from the rest of the group. No one objecting.
"Then as the Goddess and the God and the Old Ones are witness to this rite, I now proclaim you husband and wife!"
Dagonet hauled Hayley to him then, kissing her deeply and sending a cheer up around the crowd.
At the alter Mariska smiled and looked over to Merlin, a sudden feeling of foreboding falling over them both as the crowd continued to celebrate.
Authors Note: Sorry for the delay as I had to find a ceremony I liked that wasn't super long and this chapter proved a bit difficult to write. I hope you all did enjoy it though. Read and review and no flames and also, look for a story coming out under the name A Tracy-Calliann Production, soon (as in after this is posted soon). It is the efforts of both Tracy137 and myself and we would like to know what you all think.