![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
graygradient) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
rainbowfic2019-11-02 10:53 am
Blue Caravan (4. And you’re preparing to swear every oath)
The time before sunrise, with the blue glow in the sky, was usually Taerin’s favorite time of day. Almost no one was out, it was quiet, and for the first time in days, it was calm. Except Taerin was not calm.
The procession was silent except for the hoof beats of the horses. There were only ten people present. Taerin’s father led the left hand column, as was old tradition for the bride’s family. Aunt Alina followed. Warden Elios led the right column, with Kennan’s mother behind him. The newlyweds rode between their parents and the two sets of family guards bringing up the rear.
The echoing silence pressed in on Taerin, making it hard to breathe. Beside her, Kennan was stoic. The path to the temple was wide, meant to accommodate tens of dozens in marital celebrations. Plenty of room turn tail and run.
Thus the family guards. Orien didn't even subscribe to the old traditional ways, yet the Wardens wouldn't risk offending that bloody clan priest.
The priest himself waited on the steps of the temple, smile serene. Behind him, temple acolytes tended the altar. Gathered in the archway were a few of Father Bram's retinue. One held a scroll. No doubt a signed account of the blessed night on the mountain, to be filed with the marriage contract.
Taerin's chest tightened. She swayed, and for a moment she thought she might pass out in the saddle. A hand hooked into the shoulder strap of her chest plate kept her upright. The guards had ridden up beside them as they entered the courtyard. Beale gave her a searching look. Taerin gave him a small nod and he let go, expression becoming inscrutable as he pulled his horse away.
Everyone but the guards dismounted at the temple steps. More acolytes came forward to mind the horses, but did not take them away. Taerin tried to be grateful that the ordeal would be a short one.
Father Bram took his place behind the altar and motioned the families forward. The newlyweds laid their joined hands on the altar, and he began wrapping their hands together with ribbons and bloodied remnants of Taerin’s tunic from that night . Kennan looked as faint as Taerin felt.
The priest began to intone as if he was addressing a full congregation:
"Mere days ago I witnessed these young warriors in sacred combat. They fought united against hells most soldiers never face. The blessed embodiment of Makenna and Aldric, they slew dragons in defense of one another. Their bond blooded before the very gods, one can only hope to have such warriors at their side in battle!"
Just like that, it was done. Neither of them had to say a word.
no subject
no subject
there's plenty plotted, it's just the challange of putting the words down on proverbial paper now.
no subject
no subject