Post by Janice Olivia Monroe on Feb 20, 2010 1:46:07 GMT -6
Janice:Lover's spats or sweet nothings whispered in the hall became second-hat. She felt as if all aspects of life were being scrutinized under a large set of the magnifying rings mounted on a god-sized pole, much like the one on the desk of each Grandmaster. Home was the place on Bryante Row that was at the heart of the district, not on the edges of several good districts just before a slide into the Under-dark. Without Dora there to help her at present, it was Janice who lovingly cleaned away all the dust, scrubbed the floors, and aired the building. In the evening, it was the same who'd stoked the fire in an act of domestic bliss. She had to go through some of their perishables and toss them, purchase new ones, for she intended to start the excersise of living here again. "There's the sliced bread there, Marius, if you're hungry..the butter and honey in the crock beside it. Stew will be ready soon." (d)
Marius: Marius simply smiled up into her eyes from the chair where he was sitting. His voice is light with a spring in it that had never been there before. "You know Love, I could easily get used to this, coming home to a real home with a woman here to cook and make me feel most welcome." He pauses for a bit. "I've never really known such a place Janice. It is a most strange, yet comforting experience with you." His face is lit up with smile from ear to ear "I sometimes wonder how I could be so fortunate as to find a woman like you." (d)
Janice: "Oh? Well then, you should make it a habit, Sir. Even though there are good servants in employ, I am not too good to sully my own hands. In the convent, there was nothing less. Oh, how they had us scrubbingand scrubbing! Praying and scrubbing. Praying and washing. Praying and sewing. You are either bred for marriage or you become a very adept nun at keeping house." For the first time in weeks her voice soared on light wings. She passed him a plate; one show of humility was a wife feeding her husband with the things he brought home. "I agree. I like it, having you here. There is a rightness in tn this, a very plain one." (d)
Marius: Marius looked around wistfully. "I have neveer truly had my own roof over my head in over ten years. And for the last, no roof at all. This is something most wonderful. However, I would much prefer that my dear wife not scrubbing floors. She is a most proper lady and scholar as well. Please, will you humor your husband to be.(d)
Janice: "My husband to be forgets that his Proper Lady and Scholar is at the heart still a merchant's daughter who was raised in a strict Catholic household, without maids, for mother refused to hire them. She thought work made character." She looked at how he viewed what in retrospect was even finer than she had lived in as a child. Reaching across the table, she grabbed his hand. "Miss Dorawould so see you humored. More than naught she shoos me from the kitchen, it is only that she has no daughters I get away with much!" (d)
Dora:: "Yes Mistress?" she popped her head in from the next room, "Did ye have need of me?" be The skinny servant stood there, a kitchen towel clutched in her hands. " Grinning at Janice and Marius. " Or would ye rather not have me company?" she almost giggled, but she was way too old for such an expression. (d)
Marius: Marrius looked at her. "Mistress Lynch Lady Janice and I desire to be married. Would you go and bring the priest and the marriage register; for all of us to sign?" (d)
Janice: "Always a need of you, Mistress Lynch, always. Your company only brightens the room! My husband to be may have need of you though, we are at sixes and sevens on the great debate of me scrubbing a floor." She slipped away to fetch the stew but instead froze when she heard what it was he asked for. "Beg pardon?" The stew was going to boil over if she stood there anylonger.."I think ..if that..is so we should venture to the house of God..no?" What brought that about! Were they even prepared? (d)
Dora: "Will I! Sure to Heaven I will! And on the run, lest you both begin without the blessin' words" A wink and she tossed the towel aside and ran out of the door, The sound of her leather slippers flapping on the cobblestone faded , for a few moments and then she came back at a run, dragging the little priest by one hand. "Hold onto yer register there, Father. Love had won again! Come on in." She half shoved the bewildered reverend into the house. Me Mistress Janice and her man is about to wed. And you get to say the words. "(d)
Marius Marius speaking in calm melodius voice. "Good Priest; this noble lady and I wish to be wed. We ask you to perform the service here and now. As you can see the Lady enters into marriage of her own free accord,as do I. We you to perform your duty as a priest and make us man and wife in the sight of man and God." (d)
Janice: The priest with closed book and a bit of a swing to his gait thought only of his bed after a long day of sparing the repetant souls of the lane. "Ho now, what's this? Aye good Mistress Lynch, fine evenin..ye wish me to what now? At this hour? Your mistress..why...a sweet, sweet girl! Heard of that sordid little thing what happened, at this hour? Well there have been stranger. Ever heard the story of me brother what wed a pair at sword point once?" Oncewithin the home he noted that Marius already spoke, and Janice blinked. Before the Father could interject the Lady of the home said "I shan't be wed in the sight of God with flour on my hands and in no less than the dress made for the occasion, and not here, but in our sitting room. And Mistress Lynch is my matron of honor, as it should be, and..Marius needs to change too." She was nervous, babbling, but still exact in her wishes. "Stew, father?" She passed him a bowl, some bread, and a good cup of milk before dashing up the stairs to make ready for an impromptu wedding..only to run back down before dragging Dora with her into said sitting room with shut doors! "Now, now? Oh.. goodnes..um......we're goingto have to confess as we dress, pray to God. and...we need to light the candles in here..." Flint sparked as she began dragging every candle in Christendom to make the space, well..holy (d)
Dora: Liam led his little brother into be there, with Janice. She was family and the boys had not been to a wedding, although that was about to be changed. Dorie licked her fingers and plastered Loomis' hair back tidy and beamed over tothe priest as she was off into the sitting room with Janice, " Stay a moment Father, I will assist me Mistress and all will be right anon." Once in the sitting room, she headed to the little stairway up to where Janice wedding gown was. "Come, Child. Let Dora help with the lacing up. You will have help enough with the undoing. " Her laugh was interior but the glow of pride was evident in the candle glow. " More beautiful a bride was never than you today, Mistress. (d)
Marius: Marius suddenly became cognizent of his own appearance. Fortunately he had put on his best court surcoat tonight. Carefully he washed his hands, using the finger bowl and also took pains to do the same with his face. Also he had taken pains to tame his warrior's hair, always in the traditional bowl cut. But from it's reflection in the water he could see that looked most respectable this evening. It was quite a relief to him. He had wished to be married in this surcoat to begin with; so luck was with them both tonight. Or had he thought of this before. It mattered no because very soon they would be man and wife. That was enough. (d)
Janice: Nervous energy fueled the energy in qucik hands that soon had the sitting room awash in candle light. While Dora made her men look as fitting as the head of a pin, she put a hand to her belly to gather in what was really going to happen to her, of all people! In a few weeks her entire world had been forced open from the narrow perspective. They loved, she was loved. "You young sirs do not let the groom in just yet aye? Once in the privacy of the little room, her gown of the day to be replaced with the exquisite creation from the fingers of Jean-Claude. She could see Dora's points in the pattern, her caring suggestions to craft the dream that now adorned her. Golden hair was left to hang as a tiny little circlet was placed upon her hair. Was it enough? "Dora..tonight. Tonight! Do you think he really will be pleased? Truly I know he wished to marry in the cathedral,not that I...am against this." She smoothed her hands over the dress as they moved to the stairwell again.."There have been prettier brides," she blushed at the compliment (d)
Dora: "Aye, Mistress Janice. " Loomis called from close by to Marius. Liam watched the priest, caluclating if he was ever going to confess some of his misdeeds and was this the priest to confide in. Away from this scene, Dora assisted Janice with ease, comfortable in this conversation with her, calming and reassuring at the same time. " You are one in a million, Mistress. None can compare with you, Misstres Janice. I am so glad you have had this gown made. Tis all pure love and grace, suiting you perfect." In a few seconds Dora moved from her day gown to the Gypsy glittery paisley dress she bought from the gypsies. " I want to look me best for your ceremony.""Come, let your groom be overhwelmed. And tis best not to leave a man of God with me Liam for too long, you know. " (d)
Marius: Marius was waiting most impatiently, but noticing Liam's furtive looks to the priest. He could only wonder just what the boy was so worried about confessing. He was waiting only to see the most beautiful woman in the world tocome to him at any moment. He found himself more nervous then before any battle or skirmish he had ever participated in. He forced himself calm, as he waited for Lady Janice. (d)
Janice:The priest wondered what misgiving the boy wanted to say given he had the eyes of a sinner; still, add not confession to the list! Liam might have him there till all hours! Janice soaked in the words of Dora for comfort until they were around every part of her heart. In the last instant before the doors were to be open she whispered "You are like a mother to me." For any blood family to be had was now entombed in stone repose on the grounds of Ebony Hall. But this night, was for the living! Both bride and matron were ready, with all that remained were for the doors to be pulled open as they were, revealing the bride at last to her groom (d)
Dora:There was a stiffled sniffled as Dora took the words, "like a Mother to me" to heart. She reached over to haul the sitting room doors open, her light and full of the wonder of true love taking the next step into marriage. The doors slid apart and Marius saw his love at her most lovely. (d)
Marius: Seeing Janice so marvelously gowned and so radiant made his heart beat faster even before she approached him. Her beauty struck him speechless and his knees knocked; this warrior, victor of a hundred fields and she could make chills run down his spine. He did await her quietly; he could not speak. His mouth was dry. But his mind was clear and his determination set. He intended to marry the woman he loved here and now. And nothing was going to stop that act from taking place. (d)
Janice: "So we may begin now, aye?" The Father grinned at the reaction. He'd seen a woman do that to a man near a hundred times with no less pleasure in what a dainty little figure could do to the strong. Janice waited, anxiously for Marius to say something, but his face said everything. Wearing a maiden's blush fitting for the occasion, she took her place beside him as everyone else made ready to taketheir own. It was not the Cathedral, nor was it the proper display that would have showcased them to a nation, but it was more than enough. A woman need not be jealous of her, nor a man question him. This, oh this, was enough (d)
Dora: Dora beamed at the young couple, starting life together, as it should be. She stood between her sons, in hopes they each find the love of their dreams. Her dear Janice had found hers. She waited for the priest to begin. How much faster handfasting is! (d)
Marius:The Priest began; "Dearly Beloved, we are gathered her today to join in Holy wedlock this man and this woman. He went on for a bit explaining the seriousness of such a commitment and that it was forever. Finally he came to the questions. "Do you Marius take Janice as your lawful wife, to love and cherish her, for richer, for poor forsaking all others till death do you part?" Marius did not hesitate for one instant. "I do" rang out loud and clear for all to hear. The priest then turned his attention to Janice. "Do you Janice take Marius as your lawful husband; to love, honor, and obey him, for richer for poorer, forsaking all others till death do you part?" (d)
Janice: That was the question awaiting to be answered. The ceremony would find the betrothed pair upon their knees seeking God's blessing for what was most dearly wanted: union. Did she wish to take him all the days of her life? It mattered little to Viscreed what the state might sanction, or what the Church could undo with a writ. Marriage was forever, enduring all trial and tribulation. In so short a time he had fashioned her heart as none could have ever done, seeking her to strive, to want, to desire beyond one ascertained dream. "I do." It was said. She looked into his eyes as she did, for all her nerves those words were very clear. The priest had been pulled to many weddings,ornate and simple. He had seen those wed in honor, those in secret, those in shame and even some under duress. Yet the want to be simply joined was so rare even in a time of choice, that it honored him to see this. He spoke to them on the nature of commitment, having them pray with him for guidance that they might be worthy always in God's eyes. "I know pronounce you man and wife, you may seal the promise unto your bride, with a kiss." (d)
Dora:"Did the priest marry you and Da?" innocently Loomis inquired in a half wisper. "Nay, it was Her Highness Good Beathag, Handfasted us for life. Married is married." Her Christian life had taken a harsh blow when she wed Clovis. Her inner faith did not waiver, it expanded in ways infathomable before. What was marriage but a public declaration of love and lifetime devotion one to the other? She wanted for Janice and Marius what she herself found after three tries. A soulmate. (d)
Marius: Marius was waiting for those very words. He took Janice in his arms as he leaned down the pressed his lips against hers. It was always the same; the same rush of emotions and passion running through him. And he did make the most of it with an incredibly long and passionate kiss for her; the harbringe of many more in a long life together. He couldn't believe it, but it was true. What he needed now was the opportunity to prove himself and win recognition, and recognition for his lady wife as well. He knew it would come and it would come with this marvelous creature by his side. (d)
Janice: One sitting room with a light of candles was as holy as any sanctuary made of stone. One priest fetched by a faithful servant was as timely as any man in vestments fine. And one kiss? One kiss would seal her to him with their prayers for the rest of her life. She swallowed a gasp, finding it turned into tears that flowed from her eyes as she was given leave to give, to accept, the binding. One beautiful night was enough to make anything else seem paltry by far. They may have to contend with those who thought it rushed, or cared so deeply they would have wished to see it. There were mountains to climb but now they would face it all come death, come glory, together. "So it is done." Glinting in the light were rings exchanged, purchased on the odd combination of kills and salaries. Simple, golden bands that held all the worth of gems. "Beloved.." (d)
Dora: Wrapped in the kitchen towel she had been holding was a lump about the size of a small chicken but it was not a food. "Here take this corn baby and tuck him under your pilllow tonight.Good fortune and perhaps a son." She winked and patted Loomis on the head as she gave them her wedding gift. "It worked for me." Liam rolled his eyes in embarassment for his Mother and her old farm wife customs He simply told the couple, "Congratualtions!" (d)
Marius: Marius did most cheerfully accept the wedding gift. "Thank you Mistress Lynch tis a most goodly and proper gift. And most useful" He smiled to her. Then his face alight with love and desire, he simply scooped her up into his powerful arms and walked toward the sleeping chamber. Somehow their eyes met and mated once again. No words need be said and they were not, but each was of the same mind; now they were mated before God and man. It was time they were mated with each other. (d)
Janice: That would be simply be the way of it. Janice took the little wheat baby with a heavy blush to her cheeks, holding it to her chest as a child does a doll. "Thank you, Dora. For this..for..everything. You will stay with us now, you and the boys? And when your husband returns you are still welcome ever in our hoursehold." Ours. It came, so naturally. She grinned at Liam, smiled at Loomis before turning to her husband. Wrapping her arms around his neck she was lifted, and off toward the end of one life..to begin another. Viscreed was no longer Viscreed alone. She was deBrabant (d)
Dora: Dora took her sons by the hands and led them away to their quarters. " I have candy for ye both and another story of your Da when he was young." She left them and the priest would have to let himself out the door."Good night SirMarius. Good night Lady Janice. Me Clovis is due to return about the first thaw of Spring and then we will be off to the lands and house." Won in a joust ,no less. Mayhaps we will visit Flora Kent until that time. We will visit you often, I will miss you too much if I do not." She walked away, sad and joyous,at the once. (d).
Marius: Marius simply smiled up into her eyes from the chair where he was sitting. His voice is light with a spring in it that had never been there before. "You know Love, I could easily get used to this, coming home to a real home with a woman here to cook and make me feel most welcome." He pauses for a bit. "I've never really known such a place Janice. It is a most strange, yet comforting experience with you." His face is lit up with smile from ear to ear "I sometimes wonder how I could be so fortunate as to find a woman like you." (d)
Janice: "Oh? Well then, you should make it a habit, Sir. Even though there are good servants in employ, I am not too good to sully my own hands. In the convent, there was nothing less. Oh, how they had us scrubbingand scrubbing! Praying and scrubbing. Praying and washing. Praying and sewing. You are either bred for marriage or you become a very adept nun at keeping house." For the first time in weeks her voice soared on light wings. She passed him a plate; one show of humility was a wife feeding her husband with the things he brought home. "I agree. I like it, having you here. There is a rightness in tn this, a very plain one." (d)
Marius: Marius looked around wistfully. "I have neveer truly had my own roof over my head in over ten years. And for the last, no roof at all. This is something most wonderful. However, I would much prefer that my dear wife not scrubbing floors. She is a most proper lady and scholar as well. Please, will you humor your husband to be.(d)
Janice: "My husband to be forgets that his Proper Lady and Scholar is at the heart still a merchant's daughter who was raised in a strict Catholic household, without maids, for mother refused to hire them. She thought work made character." She looked at how he viewed what in retrospect was even finer than she had lived in as a child. Reaching across the table, she grabbed his hand. "Miss Dorawould so see you humored. More than naught she shoos me from the kitchen, it is only that she has no daughters I get away with much!" (d)
Dora:: "Yes Mistress?" she popped her head in from the next room, "Did ye have need of me?" be The skinny servant stood there, a kitchen towel clutched in her hands. " Grinning at Janice and Marius. " Or would ye rather not have me company?" she almost giggled, but she was way too old for such an expression. (d)
Marius: Marrius looked at her. "Mistress Lynch Lady Janice and I desire to be married. Would you go and bring the priest and the marriage register; for all of us to sign?" (d)
Janice: "Always a need of you, Mistress Lynch, always. Your company only brightens the room! My husband to be may have need of you though, we are at sixes and sevens on the great debate of me scrubbing a floor." She slipped away to fetch the stew but instead froze when she heard what it was he asked for. "Beg pardon?" The stew was going to boil over if she stood there anylonger.."I think ..if that..is so we should venture to the house of God..no?" What brought that about! Were they even prepared? (d)
Dora: "Will I! Sure to Heaven I will! And on the run, lest you both begin without the blessin' words" A wink and she tossed the towel aside and ran out of the door, The sound of her leather slippers flapping on the cobblestone faded , for a few moments and then she came back at a run, dragging the little priest by one hand. "Hold onto yer register there, Father. Love had won again! Come on in." She half shoved the bewildered reverend into the house. Me Mistress Janice and her man is about to wed. And you get to say the words. "(d)
Marius Marius speaking in calm melodius voice. "Good Priest; this noble lady and I wish to be wed. We ask you to perform the service here and now. As you can see the Lady enters into marriage of her own free accord,as do I. We you to perform your duty as a priest and make us man and wife in the sight of man and God." (d)
Janice: The priest with closed book and a bit of a swing to his gait thought only of his bed after a long day of sparing the repetant souls of the lane. "Ho now, what's this? Aye good Mistress Lynch, fine evenin..ye wish me to what now? At this hour? Your mistress..why...a sweet, sweet girl! Heard of that sordid little thing what happened, at this hour? Well there have been stranger. Ever heard the story of me brother what wed a pair at sword point once?" Oncewithin the home he noted that Marius already spoke, and Janice blinked. Before the Father could interject the Lady of the home said "I shan't be wed in the sight of God with flour on my hands and in no less than the dress made for the occasion, and not here, but in our sitting room. And Mistress Lynch is my matron of honor, as it should be, and..Marius needs to change too." She was nervous, babbling, but still exact in her wishes. "Stew, father?" She passed him a bowl, some bread, and a good cup of milk before dashing up the stairs to make ready for an impromptu wedding..only to run back down before dragging Dora with her into said sitting room with shut doors! "Now, now? Oh.. goodnes..um......we're goingto have to confess as we dress, pray to God. and...we need to light the candles in here..." Flint sparked as she began dragging every candle in Christendom to make the space, well..holy (d)
Dora: Liam led his little brother into be there, with Janice. She was family and the boys had not been to a wedding, although that was about to be changed. Dorie licked her fingers and plastered Loomis' hair back tidy and beamed over tothe priest as she was off into the sitting room with Janice, " Stay a moment Father, I will assist me Mistress and all will be right anon." Once in the sitting room, she headed to the little stairway up to where Janice wedding gown was. "Come, Child. Let Dora help with the lacing up. You will have help enough with the undoing. " Her laugh was interior but the glow of pride was evident in the candle glow. " More beautiful a bride was never than you today, Mistress. (d)
Marius: Marius suddenly became cognizent of his own appearance. Fortunately he had put on his best court surcoat tonight. Carefully he washed his hands, using the finger bowl and also took pains to do the same with his face. Also he had taken pains to tame his warrior's hair, always in the traditional bowl cut. But from it's reflection in the water he could see that looked most respectable this evening. It was quite a relief to him. He had wished to be married in this surcoat to begin with; so luck was with them both tonight. Or had he thought of this before. It mattered no because very soon they would be man and wife. That was enough. (d)
Janice: Nervous energy fueled the energy in qucik hands that soon had the sitting room awash in candle light. While Dora made her men look as fitting as the head of a pin, she put a hand to her belly to gather in what was really going to happen to her, of all people! In a few weeks her entire world had been forced open from the narrow perspective. They loved, she was loved. "You young sirs do not let the groom in just yet aye? Once in the privacy of the little room, her gown of the day to be replaced with the exquisite creation from the fingers of Jean-Claude. She could see Dora's points in the pattern, her caring suggestions to craft the dream that now adorned her. Golden hair was left to hang as a tiny little circlet was placed upon her hair. Was it enough? "Dora..tonight. Tonight! Do you think he really will be pleased? Truly I know he wished to marry in the cathedral,not that I...am against this." She smoothed her hands over the dress as they moved to the stairwell again.."There have been prettier brides," she blushed at the compliment (d)
Dora: "Aye, Mistress Janice. " Loomis called from close by to Marius. Liam watched the priest, caluclating if he was ever going to confess some of his misdeeds and was this the priest to confide in. Away from this scene, Dora assisted Janice with ease, comfortable in this conversation with her, calming and reassuring at the same time. " You are one in a million, Mistress. None can compare with you, Misstres Janice. I am so glad you have had this gown made. Tis all pure love and grace, suiting you perfect." In a few seconds Dora moved from her day gown to the Gypsy glittery paisley dress she bought from the gypsies. " I want to look me best for your ceremony.""Come, let your groom be overhwelmed. And tis best not to leave a man of God with me Liam for too long, you know. " (d)
Marius: Marius was waiting most impatiently, but noticing Liam's furtive looks to the priest. He could only wonder just what the boy was so worried about confessing. He was waiting only to see the most beautiful woman in the world tocome to him at any moment. He found himself more nervous then before any battle or skirmish he had ever participated in. He forced himself calm, as he waited for Lady Janice. (d)
Janice:The priest wondered what misgiving the boy wanted to say given he had the eyes of a sinner; still, add not confession to the list! Liam might have him there till all hours! Janice soaked in the words of Dora for comfort until they were around every part of her heart. In the last instant before the doors were to be open she whispered "You are like a mother to me." For any blood family to be had was now entombed in stone repose on the grounds of Ebony Hall. But this night, was for the living! Both bride and matron were ready, with all that remained were for the doors to be pulled open as they were, revealing the bride at last to her groom (d)
Dora:There was a stiffled sniffled as Dora took the words, "like a Mother to me" to heart. She reached over to haul the sitting room doors open, her light and full of the wonder of true love taking the next step into marriage. The doors slid apart and Marius saw his love at her most lovely. (d)
Marius: Seeing Janice so marvelously gowned and so radiant made his heart beat faster even before she approached him. Her beauty struck him speechless and his knees knocked; this warrior, victor of a hundred fields and she could make chills run down his spine. He did await her quietly; he could not speak. His mouth was dry. But his mind was clear and his determination set. He intended to marry the woman he loved here and now. And nothing was going to stop that act from taking place. (d)
Janice: "So we may begin now, aye?" The Father grinned at the reaction. He'd seen a woman do that to a man near a hundred times with no less pleasure in what a dainty little figure could do to the strong. Janice waited, anxiously for Marius to say something, but his face said everything. Wearing a maiden's blush fitting for the occasion, she took her place beside him as everyone else made ready to taketheir own. It was not the Cathedral, nor was it the proper display that would have showcased them to a nation, but it was more than enough. A woman need not be jealous of her, nor a man question him. This, oh this, was enough (d)
Dora: Dora beamed at the young couple, starting life together, as it should be. She stood between her sons, in hopes they each find the love of their dreams. Her dear Janice had found hers. She waited for the priest to begin. How much faster handfasting is! (d)
Marius:The Priest began; "Dearly Beloved, we are gathered her today to join in Holy wedlock this man and this woman. He went on for a bit explaining the seriousness of such a commitment and that it was forever. Finally he came to the questions. "Do you Marius take Janice as your lawful wife, to love and cherish her, for richer, for poor forsaking all others till death do you part?" Marius did not hesitate for one instant. "I do" rang out loud and clear for all to hear. The priest then turned his attention to Janice. "Do you Janice take Marius as your lawful husband; to love, honor, and obey him, for richer for poorer, forsaking all others till death do you part?" (d)
Janice: That was the question awaiting to be answered. The ceremony would find the betrothed pair upon their knees seeking God's blessing for what was most dearly wanted: union. Did she wish to take him all the days of her life? It mattered little to Viscreed what the state might sanction, or what the Church could undo with a writ. Marriage was forever, enduring all trial and tribulation. In so short a time he had fashioned her heart as none could have ever done, seeking her to strive, to want, to desire beyond one ascertained dream. "I do." It was said. She looked into his eyes as she did, for all her nerves those words were very clear. The priest had been pulled to many weddings,ornate and simple. He had seen those wed in honor, those in secret, those in shame and even some under duress. Yet the want to be simply joined was so rare even in a time of choice, that it honored him to see this. He spoke to them on the nature of commitment, having them pray with him for guidance that they might be worthy always in God's eyes. "I know pronounce you man and wife, you may seal the promise unto your bride, with a kiss." (d)
Dora:"Did the priest marry you and Da?" innocently Loomis inquired in a half wisper. "Nay, it was Her Highness Good Beathag, Handfasted us for life. Married is married." Her Christian life had taken a harsh blow when she wed Clovis. Her inner faith did not waiver, it expanded in ways infathomable before. What was marriage but a public declaration of love and lifetime devotion one to the other? She wanted for Janice and Marius what she herself found after three tries. A soulmate. (d)
Marius: Marius was waiting for those very words. He took Janice in his arms as he leaned down the pressed his lips against hers. It was always the same; the same rush of emotions and passion running through him. And he did make the most of it with an incredibly long and passionate kiss for her; the harbringe of many more in a long life together. He couldn't believe it, but it was true. What he needed now was the opportunity to prove himself and win recognition, and recognition for his lady wife as well. He knew it would come and it would come with this marvelous creature by his side. (d)
Janice: One sitting room with a light of candles was as holy as any sanctuary made of stone. One priest fetched by a faithful servant was as timely as any man in vestments fine. And one kiss? One kiss would seal her to him with their prayers for the rest of her life. She swallowed a gasp, finding it turned into tears that flowed from her eyes as she was given leave to give, to accept, the binding. One beautiful night was enough to make anything else seem paltry by far. They may have to contend with those who thought it rushed, or cared so deeply they would have wished to see it. There were mountains to climb but now they would face it all come death, come glory, together. "So it is done." Glinting in the light were rings exchanged, purchased on the odd combination of kills and salaries. Simple, golden bands that held all the worth of gems. "Beloved.." (d)
Dora: Wrapped in the kitchen towel she had been holding was a lump about the size of a small chicken but it was not a food. "Here take this corn baby and tuck him under your pilllow tonight.Good fortune and perhaps a son." She winked and patted Loomis on the head as she gave them her wedding gift. "It worked for me." Liam rolled his eyes in embarassment for his Mother and her old farm wife customs He simply told the couple, "Congratualtions!" (d)
Marius: Marius did most cheerfully accept the wedding gift. "Thank you Mistress Lynch tis a most goodly and proper gift. And most useful" He smiled to her. Then his face alight with love and desire, he simply scooped her up into his powerful arms and walked toward the sleeping chamber. Somehow their eyes met and mated once again. No words need be said and they were not, but each was of the same mind; now they were mated before God and man. It was time they were mated with each other. (d)
Janice: That would be simply be the way of it. Janice took the little wheat baby with a heavy blush to her cheeks, holding it to her chest as a child does a doll. "Thank you, Dora. For this..for..everything. You will stay with us now, you and the boys? And when your husband returns you are still welcome ever in our hoursehold." Ours. It came, so naturally. She grinned at Liam, smiled at Loomis before turning to her husband. Wrapping her arms around his neck she was lifted, and off toward the end of one life..to begin another. Viscreed was no longer Viscreed alone. She was deBrabant (d)
Dora: Dora took her sons by the hands and led them away to their quarters. " I have candy for ye both and another story of your Da when he was young." She left them and the priest would have to let himself out the door."Good night SirMarius. Good night Lady Janice. Me Clovis is due to return about the first thaw of Spring and then we will be off to the lands and house." Won in a joust ,no less. Mayhaps we will visit Flora Kent until that time. We will visit you often, I will miss you too much if I do not." She walked away, sad and joyous,at the once. (d).
