Hi sorry it took me so long to upload the next chapter but I missed my usual deadline, I slept through my alarm, but anyway…Enjoy!
Chapter 11,
The Kind Of Thing Dreams Are Made Of,
Making sure he had removed all of the straw from his person, he readied himself for going to see Annie, walking up the stairwell he knocked on her door.
"Who is it?" She asked,
"It's me Guy…may I come in?" He asked in return,
"Come right in Guy." She said happily, so Guy walked in,
"What is it Guy I was just about to try on my dress for the wedding?" Annie asked,
"I just wanted to make sure you had a dress, I was going into town to get a ring and get myself some clothes as this is all I have." He said,
"Alright just make sure you're kneeling before the priest when I walk through the doors at noon." Annie warned,
"I'll be there." Guy assured, as he cast a glance at Seth who was resting peacefully in his crib before he left the room,
Guy walked briskly back into the stable and saddled Renatus, as he was going to be busy the moment he arrived in London, one of the reasons was because he had to hide from guards in case they knew him, and also because there was a lot he needed to attend to.
Renatus snorted restlessly as Guy saddled him, eager to feel the open road under his hooves, Guy was also eager to get going because it was going to be a while till he forgot what happened at his last wedding. When he had finally finished tacking his horse he walked him out of the stable where he soon mounted and began his trip into London.
As he trotted his horse along the broad rode, he decided that getting himself cleaned up was probably the best option so he would be harder to recognize, and because perhaps he looked a little intimidating at the present time. When he finally arrived in London he first went to take a bath, because he couldn't remember the last time he had a bath or gotten cleaned up.
Reining in when he found a hotel he walked inside and found the manager,
"And how may I help you sir?" The manager asked,
"I was wandering where I might be able to get cleaned up." Guy replied,
"You can get cleaned up out back but it will cost you 5 shillings." He explained, so Gisborne placed the money on the counter and walked into the back room,
15 minutes later and Guy walked out of the back room looking like a totally different man, his hair was short and clean like it had once been, and his three days stubble was completely invisible.
"Well, well, well, never in all my life have I seen a man change before my very eyes." The manager said,
"Thank you for letting me get cleaned up…but you might want somebody to go in there and clean up after me." Guy explained,
"I understand especially after all that hair's come off as well have a great day." He said, as Guy exited the hotel, the next thing on his agenda was to obtain some wedding attire,
Walking his horse down the busy street of London he found a Taylor, hitching his horse to the beam he walked inside and to the front desk.
"And how may I help you sir?" The woman asked,
"I was hoping you could help me find some bridal attire." Guy replied,
"Of course…for you or for the lucky lady?" She asked, as she left her position behind the counter,
"For me." Guy replied,
"Well you're in luck because we just got in some silk tunics, doublets, leggings and shirts." She said, as she walked him over to a stack of clothes, "What exactly were you looking for?" She asked,
"Well I was hoping to find a tunic or a vest to go with my under shirt and perhaps some leggings as well." Guy explained,
"Well we do have this doublet." She said,
She held up a black silk doublet, with silken threads hanging off the shoulder overlaps, and it was brought together by knotted silk rope for buttons with three leafed clover eyelets. There were four v shaped silk rope lines running down the sleeves, and one running down both sides of the doublet, and one going from front to back.
"Your black undershirt should go nicely with it, and these leggings will be just perfect." She said,
She then held up a matching pair of leggings that were almost like the pants he wore now only they weren't as tight and they were made with silk as well.
"The last wedding I attended I wore a coat do you have anything like that?" Guy asked,
"We do and it's silk as well also very light." She said,
She held up a silk coat that was riveted like the doublet he wanted, it also had the same eyelets and buttons, and apart from it being silk it was the exact same replica of the leather coat he had worn to his wedding with Marian.
"I'll take them." Guy said,
"Very well if you will come over to the counter." She said, as she brought the clothes Guy wanted with her,
"That will be five crowns." She said, so Gisborne handed the lady the exact amount, which he obtained when he originally stole the money from Robin, who originally stole it from the sheriff,
"Thank you." Guy said, as he left the building with the second thing achieved on his list,
The last thing on his list to get was the ring, he had already decided on what ring he was going to get Annie but when he went to pick it out he knew he was going to have a hard time. When he scoured the town for the jeweler he didn't even have to hold the reins because Renatus followed faithfully, as he was laden with the things Gisborne had just bought.
When he had found the jewelry he left Renatus unhitched outside as there was really no need to restrain him and just as he thought when he walked into the shop, he was greeted by hundreds of sparkling rings. He walked around for a while looking for the right one, and amongst all the glistening silver and diamond studded rings on display two stood out in the crowd.
The first was a small gold ring with a purple stone safely set inside, there were several diamonds lining the ring, with two v shapes just before the small purple stone, joining it together. The second was a plain steel, looking silver ring, with a few notches across it, with one small elongated diamond shape that housed a small blue gem inside, the ring itself was a lot larger and thicker than the one he had picked for Annie but it suited him.
He grabbed the two rings and brought them over to the counter where he then paid 3 crowns for them, the store keeper placed them together in a velvet draw string bag, but the owner handed Guy two bags, before he left the store. Finally he had completed his list of things to obtain, the only thing he left to do was to get changed and be waiting at the alter when Annie walked in.
As he rode back to the church he began to get lost deep within his thoughts, there was no denying the fact that he was if you will afraid of his upcoming wedding. Because the last wedding he had been to, he had been punched in the face and left, while his supposed bride ran off with another man.
But by the time he arrived back at the abbey almost every ill minded thought about a ruined wedding was gone. So after unpacking the clothes and rings he had bought out of his saddle bags, he went straight to Annie's door and knocked on it.
"Who is it?" Came Annie's voice,
"It's Guy."
"Well don't come in…what is it you want?" She asked,
"I have your ring and I wanted to give it to you." Guy replied,
"Alright then." She said, as she extended her hand out the door, so Guy placed her ring inside it,
"Thank you Guy its lovely." She said,
"Don't mention it." Guy added, before he left to change into his new clothes,
When he had finished changing he eyed himself in a wall mounted mirror, he hardly even recognized himself it had been ages since he had looked, and dressed so fine. His coat was so long that he could only see the end of his boots; but there were splits in the sides that started from his knees onward, he had removed his sword and spurs, as they didn't seem appropriate in a wedding.
He then descended the stairs and walked towards the door that lead to the alter; when he entered he saw that the room was decorated with flowers. There were long tables laden with food, and amongst it there was a lovely white cake with frosting, everything just seemed so beautiful, he had never been so happy.
The chairs that people sat in while the Abbot gave his sermon, were filled with men and women and also children, who waited patiently for those who wished to be married. There was also a space cleared in the corner of the room, with a group of musicians who were ready to play the pleasant tunes that could be danced too.
It was almost as if he had been frozen at the door, to afraid to move incase the dream he was having turned out to be just that. But finally he chanced it and walked towards the priest that stood waiting, although it was hard to hide the shocked expression on his face.
When he made it to the Abbot he gave a small bow out of respect, before he stood silently awaiting his soon to be bride.
"God bless you my son as you make ready for your marriage." The Abbot said, as he crossed his chest,
It was then that Guy heard the door open, so he turned to see Annie walking towards him a pleasant smile on her face. Guy couldn't remember seeing anyone that beautiful for some time.
Her face was covered with a floral lace veil, and her hair was entwined together in a plated bun, her veil was held in place by a silver and white flower decorated circlet. The necklace she wore matched her circlet as it was decorated the same way, and her dress was just long enough so her white shoes could be seen underneath.
The Dress came over her shoulders, but there were small v shaped splits a few inched from the shoulder straps, and they were connected to long sleeves made of silk, velvet, and lace, that came down to her hands but hung past her waist. The top half of her dress was made tighter with snow white lace, crossed over each other like a bodice. The skirt of the dress was made of silk, as it shone in the light, and on both sides of her dress there were two strips of floral lace like her veil.
And her bouquet of white flowers was the icing on the cake for her god touched outfit was graced to the very last detail.
He had been mesmerized for as long as it took her to make her way to him, because she was the kind of thing dreams were made of. The occupants who watched on eagerly were all friends of Annie's, and as soon as she had made it to Guy they both turned to face the Abbot.
"We have come together here in celebration of the joining together of Annie of Loxley and Sir Guy of Gisborne. There are many things to say about marriage. Much wisdom concerning the joining together of two souls, has come our way through all paths of belief, and from many cultures. With each union, more knowledge is gained and more wisdom gathered.
Though we are unable to give all this knowledge to these two, who stand before us, we can hope to leave with them the knowledge of love and its strengths and the anticipation of the wisdom that comes with time. The law of life is love unto all beings. Without love, life is nothing, without love, death has no redemption. Love is anterior to Life, posterior to Death, initial of Creation and the exponent of Earth. If we learn no more in life, let it be this.
Marriage is a bond to be entered into only after considerable thought and reflection. As with any aspect of life, it has its cycles, its ups and its downs, its trials and its triumphs. With full understanding of this, Groom and Bride have come here today to be joined as one in marriage. Others would ask, at this time, who gives the bride in marriage, but, as a woman is not property to be bought and sold, given and taken, I ask simply if she comes of her own will and if she has her family's blessing.
Bride, is it true that you come of your own free will and accord?" The Abbot asked,
"Yes it is true." Annie replied,
With whom do you come and whose blessings accompany you." He asked,
"I do not come with anyone as my parents are dead, but I am sure I have their blessings." Annie replied,
"Then please join hands with your betrothed and listen to that which I am about to say." The Abbot said, as he gave Annie and Guy time to hold each others hands,
"Above you are the stars, below you are the stones, as time doth pass, remember... Like a stone should your love be firm like a star should your love be constant. Let the powers of the mind and of the intellect guide you in your marriage, let the strength of your wills bind you together, let the power of love and desire make you happy, and the strength of your dedication make you inseparable. Be close, but not too close. Possess one another, yet be understanding. Have patience with one another, for storms will come, but they will pass quickly. Be free in giving affection and warmth. Have no fear and let not the ways of the unenlightened give you unease, for God is with you always."
"Groom, I have not the right to bind thee to Bride, only you have this right. If it be your wish, say so at this time and place your ring in her hand." The Abbot said,
"It is my wish." Guy said, as he gazed into Annie's sparkling eyes, while placing his ring in her hand,
"Bride, if it be your wish for Groom to be bound to you, place the ring on his finger." The Abbot said, (So Annie places the ring on Guy's left ring finger),
Bride I have not the right to bind thee to Groom only you have this right. If it be your wish, say so at this time and place your ring in his hand." He said,
"It is my wish." Annie said,
"Groom, if it be your wish for Bride to be bound to you, place the ring on her finger."(So Guy places the ring on Annie's left ring finger),
"Now you may plight your troth." The Abbot said,
"I, Sir Guy of Gisborne, in the name of the spirit of God that resides within us all, by the life that courses within my blood and the love that resides within my heart, take thee Annie of Loxley to my hand, my heart, and my spirit, to be my chosen one. To desire thee and be desired by thee, to possess thee, and be possessed by thee, without sin or shame, for naught can exist in the purity of my love for thee. I promise to love thee wholly and completely without restraint, in sickness and in health, in plenty and in poverty, in life and beyond, where we shall meet, remember, and love again. I shall not seek to change thee in any way. I shall respect thee, thy beliefs, thy people, and thy ways as I respect myself." Guy vowed,
"I, Annie of Loxley, in the name of the spirit of God that resides within us all, by the life that courses within my blood, and the love that resides within my heart, take thee, Sir Guy of Gisborne to my hand, my heart, and my spirit to be my chosen one. To desire and be desired by thee, to possess thee, and be possessed by thee, without sin or shame, for naught can exist in the purity of my love for thee. I promise to love thee wholly and completely without restraint, in sickness and in health, in plenty and in poverty, in life and beyond, where we shall meet, remember, and love again. I shall not seek to change thee in any way. I shall respect thee, thy beliefs, thy people, and thy ways as I respect myself." Annie vowed,
"Let us pray. O Eternal God, Creator and Preserver of all mankind, Giver of all spiritual grace, the Author of everlasting life; Send thy blessing upon these thy servants, this Man and this Woman, whom we bless in thy Name; that, as Isaac and Rebecca lived faithfully together, so these persons may surely perform and keep the vow and covenant betwixt them made, whereof this Ring given and received is a token and pledge, and may ever remain in perfect love and peace together, and live according to thy laws; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." The Abbot prayed,
The Abbot then took Guy's and Annie's right hand and placed them in each other,
"Those whom God hath joined together, let no man put asunder." He said,
"Forasmuch as Sir Guy of Gisborne and Annie of Loxley have consented together in holy Wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and this company, and thereto have given and pledged their troth either to other, and have declared the same by giving and receiving of a Ring, and by joining of hands; I pronounce that they be Man and Wife together, In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen." The Abbot declared,
Guy and Annie then stared into each other's eyes, as Guy lifted her veil and placed it over the back of her head, he then took her in his arms and they engaged in a deep passionate kiss, signifying their love. Then the band that had been in the corner of the room began a harmonic melody that soon filled the abbey, just as Guy and Annie separated from each other, and smiled happily.
It took me a little while to find a marriage session on the internet but I finally managed it and that is why the chapter seems so official, but it is definitely from their era in time, hope you liked it