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Lady_Tolwen
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Post A Love That Binds
on: March 22, 2005 01:36
(OOC:Hello and welcome to my first official RPG! This is slightly scripted so please check the OOC to join, but most of all, have fun!)

Our story takes place a few years after Eorl the Young rode to the aid of Cirion the Steward of Gondor. Berior, son of Maethor, found himself riding to Ithilien with his father and sister to meet...his future bride that he has never met. Uncomfortable from being so far from his home in Dol Amroth, Berior began to anxiously search the horizon for any sign of ...her. Finally, he spotted some dark specks riding towards his small company. They made it! He urged his horse Berenind to greet the travellers.
VilyaTook
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Post RE: A Love That Binds
on: March 22, 2005 03:28
Rícellen shifted uncomfortably on her side saddle, the long skirt of her dress getting tangled on her legs once more. She reigned her horse in a bit and fixed it.

"Dunno why I had to wear this stupid dress," she mumbled for about the fiftieth time that morning. Her aunt heard her this time, which was unfortunate.
"We want this young man to see you as a fitting bride, Rícellen, and that will not happen without your cooperation. You want the best for your father, don't you?"
"Yes, it's just that-"
"Then I don't want to hear any more complaints."
She looked to her father, but he only gave her a sympathetic look before turning foward again.
"There he is," he said, pointing to a group riding towards them. "Are you ready, my darling?"
"As ready as I'll ever be, father."
aelin~uial
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Post RE: A Love That Binds
on: March 22, 2005 04:35
Aaliyah lagged slightly behind her father and brother. Appleberry, her sweet white mare, wasn't meant for speed, and Aaliyah was riding sidesaddle.

With solemn quiet, Aaliyah examined the land with her forest green eyes. It was so different from the places she was used to. The Houses of Healing in Minas Tirith where always full of strained silence, whispered prayers for thos that may not survive. No matter where you were in Dol Amroth, the gentle sound of the waves filled the air. This place was so quiet. Aaliyah breathed deep the sweet silence, broken only by the soft thuds of the horses hooves on the grass.

When Aaliyah had heard that Berior was to marry, she could have shouted with joy. After her mothers death, the house was empty of femenine grace. Aaliyah strived to fill the void that she had left, but her work and studies occupied much of her time. Now she would not be alone.

"What do you think of Ithilien, Allie?" Berior asked. "'Tis, quiet," Aaliyah replied. "Aye, I thought you would say that," said Berior. Aaliyah smiled. She truly hoped he would be happy with his bride. Aaliyah loved her brother more then anything or anyone else. Maidens of the Valar, Aaliyah prayed, Bless them both, so that they may live in joy.



[Edited on 24/3/2005 by aelin~uial]
Lady_Tolwen
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Post RE: A Love That Binds
on: March 23, 2005 03:16
(OOC: Um, aelin, just to let you know, we are in Ithilien. That was the agreed meeting place. Sorry if there's any confusion.)

Berior was a nervous wreck as the party from the newly formed country of Rochan drew closer. He was finally able to get a good look at them. There was a man and two females, though one was considerably older than the other. The younger one must be...her. Upon their arrival, Maethor, his father hastily made introductions.
Berior could only stare. The girl was reasonably fair to look upon , he thought. Even pretty. The poor girl looked nervous though, he noticed. Berior finally found his tongue and stammered out "Greetings, and welcome to our fair land. I hope the jorney was not too tiring?"
VilyaTook
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Post RE: A Love That Binds
on: March 23, 2005 05:01
"Not at all," Rícellen answered. "I often take Winry out on long rides."
"What she means," butted in her aunt. "Is that her horse was well excersied by the stablemen. Of course, she rarely visits the stables herself."
"Auntie, I think I can answer the question myself!"
"Keep your toungue in check, young lady," she gave her a warning glare.
"Shall we head on then? I could use some rest," her father said, breaking up the argument between aunt and niece.
Lady_Tolwen
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Post RE: A Love That Binds
on: March 24, 2005 07:10
Berior smiled to himself at spat between the aunt and...her. He still had a hard time accepting the fact that she was to be his wife. "You like to ride?" he asked. "That is excellent, for we have many fine horses that could use long rides. Perhaps you would like to visit them after...the wedding," he offered, and at the same time putting her aunt in her place.
Maethor went on to say that there was a country house not far from here and could take some rest there. "I planned the ceremony to be held tomorrow morning, if that's alright with you," Maethor said to Rícellen's father.
aelin~uial
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Post RE: A Love That Binds
on: March 24, 2005 09:00
((Whoopsies, I'll fix that little mistake right away. Oh and with arranged marriages, the bride and groom usually meet only once before the wedding, then the bride remains in her fathers house until arrangments are made (The brides dress, food, musicians, etc.)))

Aaliyah immediatly dissaproved of her brothers future bride. The words of elders are to be taken without question. But, then again, the woman looked a little bit like a naggish shrew... No, she would not consider such thoughts.

Wait a second, did Father just say tomorrow morning? "Father," Aaliyah said softly, "I have not finished the embroidery on Berior's tunic. I may be able to get it done tonight but I am not sure. And aren't you being a tad hasty?." Aaliyah leaned forward so that Maethor alone could hear her, "The poor girl has been uprooted from her home, to marry a man she has never met. Give her some time, the ways of Gondor are different from those of Rohan."
Lady_Tolwen
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Post RE: A Love That Binds
on: March 25, 2005 05:22
(Sorry it took so long to post. I'm sick and my computer was acting up. )

"I'm afraid it has to be tomorrow," Maethor said. "I received a message that I was called to serve as a guard in Minas Tirith for a season. I'll have to leave immediatley after the ceremony."

Berior was not pleased when he heard how soon the wedding was to take place, and he knew his bride-to-be couldn't be much happier. In time the reached the country house. "Would you like me to show you to your rooms?" he asked. "You can freshen up and join us later for the evening meal if you are not too tired from your journey."
VilyaTook
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Post RE: A Love That Binds
on: March 29, 2005 06:37
"Yes, thank you," Rícellen answered. They were led away to their rooms, Rícellen and her father on one side of hall and her aunt across the hall. When the sound of footsteps had retreated, Rícellen's father joined her in her room.

She had fallen back onto the bed, her skirt billowing messily around her and the perfect bun on her head long since coming undone so that strands of her hair fell about her face. He sat on the bed next to her and took her hand.

"I don't even know this man," she murmured. "And I have to marry him. Tomorrow! I don't even get to find out what he's like."
"My darling," he said. "Don't fret over it. He's a good man. You'll be happy together."
"And you will be okay without me, father?"
"We've gone over this before, yes I'll be fine without you around the house causing mischeif."
He gave her a warm smile and stood up.
"You just get some rest now," he said as he left the room.
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Post RE: A Love That Binds
on: March 29, 2005 02:04
After he led his future bride to her room, Berior returned to his room. He changed into a fresh tunic for the evening. Then he went to the main hall, where he met his father. "Father, are you sure about this? I know you are anxious for me to marry, and that the girl would make a fitting wife, but she just arrived! The poor creature must be frightened out of her wits!"

"I know it's sudden, my son, but you are of full age to marry, and we can benefit from a marriage of the Northmen. And they are benefitting with financial security. Now please, do your duty as my heir and marry the girl."

Berior sighed. It was almost time for the evening meal. As he made his way to the dining hall, he passed his sister. "Ah, Allie, are you on your way to the evening meal? I wanted to ask you what you thought of my bride-to-be. I was thinking that perhaps we could build a house for her father not too far from our home, that way she won't be so far away from kin."
He waited patiently for her reply before he continued on his way to the dining hall.
aelin~uial
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Post RE: A Love That Binds
on: March 30, 2005 09:55
"Actually, no. I ate before we left and am not hungry," Aaliyah thought for a moment before she continued, "She is a bit too headstrong, she was probably raised without a mother to teach her the skills of a lady. I would be like her had Lady Bellemente not been around." Berior considered his sisters words as he continued on his way.

While the others ate, Aaliyah sewed. The silver needle flashed in the firelight as her quick, neat stitches grew into an entwining pattern. Symbols of happiness, prosperity, and love covered the elaborately embroidered tunic. Aaliyah tied off the last thread and cut it. "Berior!" she called out.

Her brother quickly came. "What do you think?" Aaliyah handed him the tunic. Berior ran his fingers over the threads. "It is beautiful, Allie, thank you so much," he whispered. "You're welcome," Aaliyah said shyly as Berior hugged her tightly.

As Berior left, Aaliyah made her way to Rícellen's room. "Rícellen?" Aaliyah said softly, gently knocking, "It's Aaliyah." Rícellen granted her permission to enter. "What dress are you planning to wear tomorrow?" Aaliyah asked once she was inside. Rícellen's hands flew to her mouth. "I don't know, I don't have many dresses. I'm not very fond of wearing them." Aaliyah pulled the ivory dress she had made from her sewing bag. Rich golds and reds, the colours of Rohan, were the main threads in the decorating embroidery. "Try this on," she said.

Rícellen ducked behind a curtain. "It fits perfectly," Aaliyah said in amazement, "I was sure I would have to take it in or let it out somewhere." Rícellen's response was to wrinkle her nose. "It itches," she complained. "Impossible!" Aaliyah exclaimed, "My stitches don't itch. Well, take it off, and hang it nicely. They'll be no time tomorrow to iron it if it gets wrinkled."
Lady_Tolwen
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Post RE: A Love That Binds
on: March 30, 2005 11:49
Berior considered his sister's reply as he entered the dining hall. Headstrong? Well, she certainly seemed to be a spirited girl. Aaliyah was probably right about her, though. But he couldn't help but like that little spark she possessed.

Berior spotted Rícellen. "My lady," he said offering his arm, "would you mind if we sat together at the table? It will give us a chance to talk while we dine." She nodded hesitantly before taking his arm. He led her to her chair and pulled it out for, then pushed under the table as soon as she was seated before he took his own seat beside her.

"I know we only just met, so I understand if you're nervous about this. I was thinking, that while my father is away, I was thinking that perhaps we could build a house for your father not too far from our home, that way you won't be so far away from kin. Would you like that? Consider it my wedding gift." He smiled warmy at her.
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Post RE: A Love That Binds
on: March 30, 2005 12:25
"That would please me very much," Rícellen answered, as politely as she could. "Father has been very restless lately at the thought of this...arrangement," she could not bring herself to call it a marriage yet, "It would be well for him to stay near me."
She smiled sweetly before lifting her glass of wine to her lips. He does seem kind, at least, she thought as she sipped her drink. I could not bear living with him if he wasn't.
Lady_Tolwen
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Post RE: A Love That Binds
on: March 30, 2005 01:12
Berior was pleased he could provide his bride-to-be with some measure of comfort and a smile to her lips. Perhaps there was hope for them yet. He longed to tell her about his home in Dol Amroth, but he didn't want to sound like he was boasting or worsen her evident homesickness. So he remained silent. After the evening meal ended, he escorted her back to her rooms. "If you need anything at all, do not hesitate to ask me," he said.

He heard his sister call him, and hastened to answer. She showed him his new tunic. "It's beautiful," he said, kissing her cheek.
Berior ran his fingers over the threads. "It is beautiful, Allie, thank you so much," he whispered. "You're welcome," Aaliyah said shyly as Berior hugged her tightly
.

Feeling suddenly tired, he retired to his room.
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Post RE: A Love That Binds
on: March 30, 2005 02:03
As Berior left, Aaliyah made her way to Rícellen's room. "Rícellen?" Aaliyah said softly, gently knocking, "It's Aaliyah." Rícellen granted her permission to enter. "What dress are you planning to wear tomorrow?" Aaliyah asked once she was inside. Rícellen's hands flew to her mouth. "I don't know, I don't have many dresses. I'm not very fond of wearing them." Aaliyah pulled the ivory dress she had made from her sewing bag. Rich golds and reds, the colours of Rohan, were the main threads in the decorating embroidery. "Try this on," she said.

Rícellen ducked behind a curtain. "It fits perfectly," Aaliyah said in amazement, "I was sure I would have to take it in or let it out somewhere." Rícellen's response was to wrinkle her nose. "It itches," she complained. "Impossible!" Aaliyah exclaimed, "My stitches don't itch. Well, take it off, and hang it nicely. They'll be no time tomorrow to iron it if it gets wrinkled."


Rícellen's father came into the room before she could take off the dress.
"You look gorgeous," he said to his daughter, who was tugging carefully at one of the sleeves that kept slipping up her arm.
"Did you make this dress?" he asked, turning to Aaliyah. She nodded.
"Thank you so much for caring for my daughter," he said, smiling proudly.
"I could have made my own dress you know. I was just too busy preparing to leave and all," Rícellen complained. Her father gave her a stern look. She bowed her head shamefully, though she had meant what she said.
"Thank you very much, Aaliyah," she mumbled.
"Well, I am going to sleep, and you should too, my daughter. You've had a long day and you've got to get up bright and early tomorrow," he said.
"Good night," Rícellen said.
"Good night to both of you," he left the room and Rícellen promptly scurried behind the curtain to change out of her dress, saying nothing more to Aaliyah.
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Post RE: A Love That Binds
on: March 31, 2005 09:57
Aaliyah left the room in silence. She felt as if she should 'mother' Rícellen, even though the woman was several years her elder. The soft pit-pat on the roof announced the rain. Slipping on a cloak, Aaliyah walked outside. It was a peaceful noise, the rain, and the tense, worried feelings Aaliyah had bunched up deep inside were washed away. She delighted in the soft, fresh scent. Rain was good luck to her, a sign of new life and restoration.

"Aaliyah?" A familiar voice, accompanied by the squishing of mud beneath heavy boots, set her heart alight. "You really can't deal with being away from me," Aaliyah told Thalion, who grinned. "I'm wet," he said. "Yes, standing out in the rain does that," replied Aaliyah with all seriousness. Thalion laughed and embraced her soggily. "Ack! Get off! You smell like wet dog!" Aaliyah shrieked. "Really?" Thalion sniffed himself, "Ick. I do."

"Go take a bath," Aaliyah told him. "Where?" Thalion asked. "Anywhere. Just go get clean," Aaliyah answered. Thalion slunk off like a disciplined puppy. "And use soap!" Aaliyah called after him. "What's soap?" he called back. Aaliyah giggled, "Anything that smells better than you in the tub."
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Post RE: A Love That Binds
on: March 31, 2005 12:33
(OOC: Um, who is Thalion?)

Despite his sudden weariness, Berior found that he could not sleep. So he decided to take a walk in the gardens, when the weather to give him an unsuspected bath. He quickly ducked under the pagoda like porches that encircled the gardens and began to walk around. Ordinarily, he would have had a fun time running in the rain, but he didn't want to risk getting a cold before his wedding. Suddenly he saw a female figure wandering in the distance. She appeared to be lost. It looked as if he wasn't the only one with pre-wedding jitters.Nervously he approached her.
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Post RE: A Love That Binds
on: April 01, 2005 08:46
Rícellen lay on her bed, but no sleep came to her. She sat up and stared across the room at her wedding dress that hang on the wall there, a reminder of what was coming in the morning.
Maybe a walk would calm me down enough for sleep, she thought. Climbing out of her bed, she pulled on the dress she had worn that morning and quietly left her room.

She didn't notice the rain until she was out the door and she shivered as the drops hit her. Running as best as she could in the dress, she made her way to an awning in the distance. Catching her breath a little, she looked around. In the center of the square walkway was a beautiful little garden, much like the one her aunt had shown her how to tend last spring. She walked around a bit, enjoying the sights, and didn't notice Berior until he came up to her.

She stumbled to find an explanation for her appearence here and finally stuttered out, "I'm not trying to run away, really! I just thought I would go for a walk."
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Post RE: A Love That Binds
on: April 01, 2005 10:29
Berior laughed at Rícellen's hasty outburst. "Fear not, I also sought solace in the gardens. Apparently I am not the only one who is nervous of the upcoming event." He glanced at her shivering form. "You are soaked through!" He took off his cloak and draped it around her shoulders. "Come, I'll take you to the fireplace in the main hall where you can dry off and get warm. You don't want to catch a chill before the wedding do you?"

As he escorted her, he took on a more serious tone. "I'd like to apologize on behalf of my father for the short notice. I was just as surprised as you were. I hope you're not too shocked."
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Post RE: A Love That Binds
on: April 02, 2005 09:49
"No," Rícellen answered, pulling his cloak tighter about her as a gust of wind blew the rain beneath the canopy. "It is best sometimes to rush into things. It leaves precious little time for regret."
She laughed lightly so that he knew that she was kidding.
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Post RE: A Love That Binds
on: April 02, 2005 11:04
Despite her teasing, Berior felt the painful truth behind it. He thought frantically for a way to change the subject. "I say, what do you have in your ear?" he asked, feigning shock. He reached forward and produced a red rose as if he plucked it from her ear. "Honestly, don't you Northmen know how to scrub behind one's ears?" he joked as he handed the rose to her.
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Post RE: A Love That Binds
on: April 02, 2005 04:25
Aaliyah snuck back into the house. Her drenched hem and feet left a muddy trail. Well, so I'm not always the perfect lady, she thought, hastily cleaning it up. After changing into her nightgown and washing her face, Aaliyah lit a small candle and opened a book. It was yellowed with age; worn with much use.

It was the account of Eladil, lady of the western shores. The mortal child raised by elves. Aaliyah read it often. She got herself lost in the ancient text. Suddenly, she realized her candle was growing short. Aaliyah blew it out and pulled her blankets tightly around her. Tomorrow approached with speed and it would be a long day.
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Post RE: A Love That Binds
on: April 04, 2005 05:34
She laughed as she took the rose and twirled it in her fingers.
"My father used to play the same trick on me when I was young," she said, grinning. "Only he would use it as an excuse to get me to wash up for dinner."

She yawned loudly, only just remembering to cover her mouth with her hand to make it a more dainty gesture.
"I'm afraid I shall retire to my room, if you don't mind," she said, feeling weary.
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Post RE: A Love That Binds
on: April 04, 2005 12:34
"Only if you promise to dry off properly and stay warm," he said sternly, playfully pointing his finger like a scolding mother, which earned another smile from his bride-to-be. After she was safely in her room, Berior decided it was time for him to retire as well. After he changed into a morecomfortable attire, he climbed into bed and went to sleep.

Morning came all to swiftly, and before he knew it, Aaliyah was jumping on his bed trying to wake him up. Groggily, he grabbed his pillow and swung it at her, then buried himself in the sheets. Which were then neatly ripped off the bed, greeting him to a rush of cool, morning air. "Hurry up, sleepyhead," Aaliyah said. "You don't want to miss your own wedding do you?"

Wedding! At the mention of the word Berior leapt out of bed and began to get ready for the big event.

(OOC: I hope you don't mind that I skipped to the next morning.)
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Post RE: A Love That Binds
on: April 05, 2005 07:47
Three sharp knocks on the door and Rícellen was slowly blinking awake, feeling like she had barely slept an hour. Her aunt's shrill voice came from the still closed door.

"I am coming in and you had best be out of your bed by now!"

She pulled herself up as the door opened and her aunt entered, a look of disdain on her face.

"We've got no time to laze around. It's your wedding day. Now come, there's a bath drawn for you in the room down the hall."

"Aunt," Rícellen's reply was interrupted with a yawn and she fell back onto the bed,"Must I get up now? You don't want me falling asleep during the wedding do you?"

A stern look got her up again and she sulked down the hallway, mourning her loss of sleep.
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Post RE: A Love That Binds
on: April 05, 2005 08:39
Once Aaliyah was sure Berior was fully up and awake, she hurried to her own room to get herself ready. As she was brushing her hair, she realized this was the last morning she would be able to wake Berior up like that. "When did life happen?" she wondered aloud, "When did we grow up?" Berior was to be married, he was a valued man of Gondor. She was an esteemed healer in Minas Tirith, the leader in the many medical miracles discovered by her group of researchers. "And probably soon to be engaged, too," Aaliyah murmured. A few weeks ago, she had overgeard Thalion speaking to her father on that mattter.

Aaliyah sighed. Her childhood had faded like mist with the sunrise. Berior had always been her guardian, looking out for her even when she did not want him to. But when had that been? Deep in her heart, she knew she had always been comforted by the fact that he always seemed to be watching. Aaliyah quickly finished dressing. She wore her robes of the Houses of Healing. The lily insignia proclaimed her status as one of the best. For sentiments sake, she put her silver hair-combs in her tight bun. They were the first peices of jewelry ever given to her. Aaliyah remebered the day she had been given them. It was her eighth birthday, they were a gift from her father.

"Take good care of these, Aaliyah," Maethor said, "They belonged to your mother." "Oh i will father, I promise!" Aaliyah exclaimed happily. The combs were beautiful. Silver, with tiny rubies, sapphires, and emeralds embelleshing the intricate design. They were works of art. "Allie!" Berior said, "You look all grown up! Just like a lady!" Aaliyah giggled. "I'm only this old," she held up eight fingers. "Wait a minuet," Berior pretended to count her fingers, "Six-seven-EIGHT! Eight? Last time I checked, you wre seven!" Aaliyah giggled again, "It's my birthday, silly, of course I'm eight!" "Of course!" Berior echoed.

Aaliyah shook her head. What was she talking about? She was only seventeen! But when she thought about it, most girls her age had already been married for at least a year. Only her studies and duty to the Houses of Healing had kept her from marriage. "Now, Aaliyah," she reprimanded herself, "Stop mooning about, idly daydreaming about the past. You have work to do!"
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Post RE: A Love That Binds
on: April 05, 2005 12:23
(OOC: Interesting bit of trivia, did you know that Gilraen [Aragorn's mom] was 22 years old when she wedded Arathorn [Aragorn's dad] ,who was about 57, and that was not, quote " the age which the women of the Dunedain were accustomed to marry[RotK:Appendix A]"? Just thought that was interesting.)

Berior quickly changed into the tunic that his sister had so lovingly made for her. He was going to miss her "wake up calls". But even though another woman was coming into his life, that did not mean he could still be her protective older brother. At least, until she herself married. Then it would be her husband's duty to guard and protect her. And Valar help the man if he didn't, for he would not hesitate to break his legs if he broke her heart.

He quickly brushed these thoughts aside and hurried to the courtyard where the wedding feast and ceremony were to be held. There he, along with his father and Rícellen's father,waited for the bride and her aunt. Soon, she made her entrance. His breath caught in his throat when he saw her in a dress that he guessed was made by Aaliyah. Valar, she was beautiful! He'd have to remember to thnk Aaliyah after the ceremony.

Rícellen made her way to Berior's side at the head of the table where all could see. Once there, Maethor and Rícellen's aunt placed her hand in Berior's and said," May Manwe witness the union of this woman and bless her." In place of her mother,Rícellen's aunt said, "May Varda witness the union of this man and bless him." And together, in a most solemn voice, they said, "May Eru bless the union of Berior and Rícellen, and may he permit them to have a long, joyful life together." Then they waited for Aaliyah to give the final words of blessing before they exchanged their wedding rings.

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Post RE: A Love That Binds
on: April 05, 2005 12:51
...before the wedding...

Rícellen sat in a high-backed chair, fidgiting as her aunt combed knots out of her long hair. She was wearing her dress already, admiring in a small mirror how the colors complimented her skin tone and the golden brown waves of her hair.
It's awfully uncomfortable, though she thought.

With a light knock, her father came into her room.
"The ceremony is starting in about ten minutes,"he said. A smile graced his face. "My little girl is all grown up."
"You sound so suprised," Rícellen said, with a little laugh.
"Well I guess I am," he said. "I better let you get ready."
With a little kiss on her cheek, he left again.

Five minutes later, Rícellen was ready, her hair twirled up in a sophisticated bun and a gold necklace with a red jewel clasped around her neck. Her aunt had already left, after making sure Rícellen knew when she was to come and that she would not come any later than that and cause anyone worry.

When the time had come, she took a deep breath and looked down, forcing calming thoughts into her mind. That was when she noticed that she hadn't put her shoes on yet.
"Now where are they," she muttered, searching the room. They were no where to be found.
Frustrated, she opened the door and stuck her head out.
"Auntie? Anyone?," there was no response. "Is everyone in this house at the ceremony?!"
She knew how flustered the crowd and her soon-to-be husband would be if she showed up late. Her aunt had made that very clear. But she couldn't just walk in there barefoot.
"I've got no other choice," she said. She entered the hall where the ceremony was being held carefully, trying her best to hide her bare feet beneath her dress.
aelin~uial
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Post RE: A Love That Binds
on: April 06, 2005 11:48
((Aragorn and Gilraen were full Dunedain. The people of Gondor and Rohan have majorly diluted blood. They live for only 90 years or so, unless disease or war gets them first))

Aaliyag placed her fingertips on the two's foreheads, first Berior, then Rícellen. "May happiness and love fill your days, and your house be blessed," Aaliyah said, "Honor your vows, and prosperity will be yours." Aaliyah bowed her head and returned to her place with her father.
Lady_Tolwen
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Post RE: A Love That Binds
on: April 06, 2005 12:03
(True, although I think a few families like Gilraen's only married full Dunedains, if I remember correctly. I should go back and check. My point was that she was 22 and not considered old enough for marriage, when girls used to get married in their early teens. That's what I found interesting. )

After Aaliyah had blessed the couple, Berior returned Rícellen's silver ring of engagement that had been exchanged via their fathers a year ago, and she did likewise. Then they exchanged gold bands which they put on the third finger on their left hand.

Rícellen's aunt then stepped up and broke a barley cake over the couple's heads, in a tradition of the Northmen. Maethor then placed a gold and ruby necklace around Rícellen's neck. "This was my wife's necklace, given to her by my mother. This necklace has been passed down from generations to the daughter-in-law. Wear it proudly."

Berior saw a movement which caught his eye. Rícellen had begun tapping her foot, which wasn't unnatural, except for the fact that she wasn't wearing shoes! He tried his hardest not to do anything that would draw attention to himself.
VilyaTook
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Post RE: A Love That Binds
on: April 07, 2005 10:16
Rícellen had not noticed that as the ceremony continued, she had distractedly began to tap her foot, an old habit of hers when she was bored or caught up in something. When she looked over to catch Berior's eye and saw he was looking down, she realized what she was doing and quickly pulled her foot beneath her skirts again, smiling slightly.

Her father approached them then, holding in his hands a wooden box, clasped shut with two leather straps. Standing before them, he opened the box to reveal a horn, carved out of polished oxen-horn, decerated with bronze and silver.

"I present to you, Berior, son of Maethor, this heirloom of my family. May help always be present should you need to use it."
He bowed low.
Lady_Tolwen
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Post RE: A Love That Binds
on: April 07, 2005 03:26
Berior took the horn that was given to him and bowed in return. "I thank you for this most precious gift. It shall be treasured in my household."

Maethor stood before those attending the feast and raised a galss in a toast. "I now pronounce them, man and wife." They cheered, then downed their glasses in a series of gulps. "I hate to have to cut the festivities short,"Maethor said, "but now I must leave on matters of business." He looked at Berior. "Good luck." Then he turned to Aaliyah."Behave, and take care of yourself," he said with a kiss. And then he was gone.

Berior turned to his new bride. 'Well, there's not much more reason to stay in Ithilien. Would you like to see the house that was prepared for us in Dol Amroth? Your family may stay in this house while on is being prepared, that way you do not have to worry for their welfare. And we have many house men and women employed in our services to tend to their needs. Is that alright with you?"
VilyaTook
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Post RE: A Love That Binds
on: April 11, 2005 06:56
"Must we leave so quickly?" Rícellen asked, though she knew that she couldn't stay there any longer. The ceremony had gone by too fast for her. She was still having trouble believing that this man was her husband.
Lady_Tolwen
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Post RE: A Love That Binds
on: April 11, 2005 11:57
Instantly, Berior regretted his suggestion. Naturally she would be reluctant to leave. "Forgive me, I did not mean right at this moment. I meant later in the day. I figured you would like some time alone together. But I was hoping to reach Dol Amroth today. For see my dear, I have prepared a surprise for you and I wanted you too see it on our wedding day. Of course if you desire to stay in Ithilien longer..." he trailed off disappointedly.

He did not mention his desire to sleep in his own house on his wedding; it would probably make her want to stay in Ithilien. He had spent many long days detailing to the men building his house exactly what he wanted. Everything had to be perfect for his future bride, and now he desperately wanted to show Rícellen the fruit of his hard labor...And the surprise he had planned just for her.
VilyaTook
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Post RE: A Love That Binds
on: April 12, 2005 06:37
"A suprise?" she said, a smile lighting her features. "Well, that changes everything."

She sounded happy enough, but truthfully she was a bit scared. She had never wanted to leave her home, and even knowing her father would still be near did not provide much comfort. She already missed riding on the plains with the wind in her hair and then coming home to her room in her cozy old house.

The necklace Maethor had placed around her neck felt like a collar to her, and the leash attached was pulling her far away from her home. Still, she did not show her sadness and reminded herself that this was for the good of her family.
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