Introduction:

This is the tale of the wedding of Aurla and Turgen as it happened on 3/12/5101. The original log of the event was recorded by Brianus, and then was shortened and rewritten by my own hand.

For those of you who are annoyed that your witty comments and uniquely heartfelt congratulations are not scribed in totality in this bardess' tale, I have but one reply. The log was at first o'er 200 pages in length, and something had to go. Actually, most everything had to go. What now remains is the actions, emotions and words of a beautiful wedding ceremony. I hope you enjoy the retelling as much as I enjoyed the event.

In honor,

Elaerina Cragsinger
Scribe of House Daingneach Onoir
8/06/04


"The Wedding of Turgen Dragonak and Aurla Laronus"

The wedding occurred in a bright meadow where a myriad of fireflies displayed spectacular waves of light under the lush canopy of trees.

Attending were: Lady Talsh, Slovigg, Lady Seracia, Lord Xeniphite, Lord Belgerann, Lady Weewillow, Lady Stormyrain, Lord Psionix, Rosamor, Lord Primum, Lord Redorc, Lady Lavinnia, Lord Brutkc, Germinal, Sage Pandoreh, Sage Marisol, Brakian, Lord Sprea, Lady Marinzol, Lord Celtic, GameMaster Brennwyn, Risky, Lord Thurnock, Lady Juliane, Lady Shrelae, Jhugar, Lady Dyva, Yahn, Lembas, Lord Omnicent, Kevra, Giantphang, Lord Joter Lady Biminy, Lady Allequerie, Hogberth, Lady Ashantra, Lady Zusanne, Falyne, Daxal, Lady Songie, Khazmodon, Eveanna, Indy, Lord Spunkwhort, Lady Lousinda, Gormin, Lady Navlys, Lady Kadesha, Lord Barachado, Lord Adyr, Soulharvester, Lord Virilneus, Lord Krovax, Lord Eridal, Laikee, Lord Geijon, Lord Shinryu, Gwalmachei , Aidelias, Rhangath, Lord Seesfar, Kayrie, Troggz, Lady Jessta, Lord Hyoko, Tanager, Lady Dawners, Lady Nofret, Valkyva, Lord Orinkar, Lady Grobinal, Lady Saunci, Lord Manodith, Kismia, Lord Pearsall, Nayta, Lady Evialla, Lord Drezzt, Lady Dimaire, Lady Gialynn, Artistansas, Lady Falisene, Lady Psyryn, Lord Mersteel, Trandle, Cryheart, Tarakan, Lady Shareil, Lady Dessedemona, Lady Jira, Frederiko , Seliliques, Lady Elaerina, Lord Shirkon, Lord Celtic, Lord Jacklehop, GameMaster Brauden, Laikee, Tsalin, Lord Gadshill, Lady Angellisa, Lord Keric, Goldstr, Lady Rawen, Lady Enchandri, Sage Soraya, Gahread, Lord Belgerann, Tymbir, Edgeleaf, Keffal, Shadya, Selwynd, and Lord Tegaron.

The Lady Songie Fillee the Priestess presided over the ceremony, and had her hands full stilling the crowd, which was quite enthusiastically awaiting the nuptials. She was resplendent in a gold coronet of filigreed rose vines centered by a coruscant heart-shaped ruby, a pair of faceted ruby earrings, a pure white chasuble, a heart-shaped Oleani pendant, a red heliotrope amulet, a dainty gold ruby-studded armlet, an ethereal priestess' surplice, a gold fertility bracelet, a ruby and gold wedding ring, some ruby colored glass bells, a pierced spherical ora censer, a prioress' silk claret satchel, and a pair of white rose-trimmed slippers.

Songie had just finished reciting: "Hush sit still!" when the groom, Lord Turgen, arrived.

There followed the usual rounds of "He made it!" and cheers from the crowd.

Lord Turgen Dragonak the Half-Elf Huntmaster, appeared tae be in his 130's at the time of the wedding. He had long, straight silver hair, multihued eyes, and fair skin. His arms were tattooed with a soaring silver dragon and a nightmare steed.

He was wearing a grand wide-brimmed hat of swamp green velvet with sweeping golden plumes on the side and a rim of gold and silver pollywogs, a swamp green cloak, an antique silver armband, a vaalin leaping-frog clasp, a leaf-shaped Imaera pin, a Sylvan carved rosewood arm cuff inset with an intricate mithril compass, a mud-stained swamp green sack, a swamp green vest with gold and silver pollywogs embroidered along the edges, some soft mottled green gloves, a soft white silk shirt, some mottled green suede breeches with small gold and silver pollywogs stitched up the side of each leg, and a pair of dark mottled suede boots with golden vines winding from the toe to the boot top.

Turgen exclaimed, "I did! (make it)" as he walked toward the altar. "I even found the place - only took three tries."

Fortunately, he got his trip to the altar correct on the first go-round.

Songie smiled at the handsome Lord Turgen. The dashing groom removed his wide brimmed hat of green velvet with sweeping golden plumes in a broad arch as he bowed toward the gathering of family and friends. Then, the priestess' eyes were drawn with a smile to the back of the meadow, where the maiden of honor stood.

Lady Tymbir Luark the Sylvankind Trailblazer appeared to be in her 90's, and had long, braided light brown hair, green eyes, and fair skin. She held a vaalin wedding band tightly in her right hand. She was wearing a pure white fitted gossamer bodice with diamond buttons down the front and fine gold ribbon lacing up the back, a pure white sheer skirt, a pair of white ora-clasped gloves, a pair of white ankle-tie silk slippers, a gold ring, a deep brown glaes spider charm, a somber green ranger's greatcloak, a ruby amulet, and an antique silver armband. Her jade eyes and fawn hued hair sparkled in the bright moonlight as she reached the altar, and was greeted by Turgen and Songie with hugs and kisses.

Lord Tebon and Lord Morgiest then arrived, escorting bride: Lady Aurla Laronus, the Dark Elf Enchantress. As Turgen gazed fondly at his bride to be, she made her way toward the altar on the arms of her escorts, gazing in stunned awe at the crowds that rowdily greeted her, and at the handsome fellow that waited for her. A gentle breeze drifted through the area, carrying with it the sweet perfume of roses.

Lord Tebon Hawggweiler the Giantman Warrior appeared to be in his 50's. He had long light brown hair that managed to look unkempt despite the formality of the occasion, green eyes, and tanned skin. A tattooed symbol of Voln showed on his forearm. He was wearing a silvery Voln medallion, some black titanium chain mail, a heavy black back sheath, a black Voln ring, a thick rhimar armband, an opal ring, a shiny silver knight pin, a sparkling dragonfire ruby earring, a tattered and torn warrior's cloak, and an enruned deathstone pendant.

Unfortunately, the records do not show what Lord Morgiest Frostgiant the giantman warrior wore that day, nor how his hair was styled, but this bardess remembers that he did cut a fine figure as he walked down the aisle, and that Songie smiled widely at the two paladins, as they proudly escorted the beautiful bride down the aisle.

None, however, compared in beauty to the bride that day. Lady Aurla Laronus appeared to be in her 140's, had long, straight silver hair, a shimmer of violet on her eyelids, beautifully black-outlined violet eyes, glossy petal pink full lips, soft and very dark skin. A prancing black centaur tattoo showed on one ankle. She was holding a beribboned bouquet of ivy and sweetly scented jasmine surrounding two perfectly formed red rosebuds in her left hand. She was wearing a pair of fingerless lace gloves, a centaur-shaped pendant, some delicate diamond-dusted white silk slippers overlaid with fine gold lace and embroidered with two joined emerald hearts on the toes, a gold-dusted gossamer silk veil attached to a glittering diamond and dragonfire emerald tiara, an elegant white gossamer gown, an embroidered white silk cloak, a pure white earcuff, an iridescent white silk purse, a starstone engagement ring, and a spray of white jasmine.

Songie smiled lovingly at Lady Aurla, the gorgeous bride. Her stunning gown adorned with a cascade of dragonfire emeralds and diamonds sparkled with every swish of fabric as she stepped lightly down the aisle.

Songie hugged Aurla before beginning the ceremony.

"I welcome everyone on behalf of Lady Aurla and Lord Turgen.
Join me now as we consecrate this place in silent prayer
Asking the gods to bless this beautiful eve and this couple."

The crowd then moved to a kneeling position.

Songie recited:

"May the light of love shine on us this eve!"

Songie turned toward the altar and closed her eyes, raising her arms toward the heavens and whispering a quiet prayer before kneeling down and removing a gold-threaded altar cloth from in her silk claret satchel, which she placed on the carved wood altar. A soft melodious clink could be heard as Songie's bells rang softly with her movements.

Turgen and Aurla could scarce keep their eyes off one another at this time, blushing and smiling like school children caught in some forbidden game.

Songie then removed a pierced spherical ora censer from her belt, slowly swinging the censer over and around the altar, tendrils of chartreuse smoke curling up and about her and the altar as she blessed it.

Songie closed her eyes again briefly before removing a glaes-dusted tall white candle from in her silk claret satchel. She carefully placed the candle on the carved wood altar, and lit it. Throughout the ceremony, the candle flickered softly, casting a warm light throughout the area.

Placing her hands beneath her chin, Songie turned her eyes up to the heavens, where all present could see a pair of snow white owls fly across the sky, their powerful wings outstretched majestically. They circled around the assembly once and quietly perched themselves on a high branch behind the altar.

Songie slowly stood, and turned back toward the assembled congregation to recite:

"Who giveth this bride to her groom?"

Tebon smiled at Songie and replied, "I, Tebon Hawggweiler, Lord Paladin of Daigneach Onoir, gives tha bride, Aurla, ta her groom, Turgen."

Songie curtsied to Tebon while Aurla beamed with happiness.

Tebon gently placed Aurla's hand into Turgen's before bowing to Songie and stepping back from the couple.

Turgen claspsed Aurla's hand tenderly as she gazed fondly into his eyes.

Songie smiled warmly at Aurla and Turgen then looked out over the assembled family and friends.

Songie recited:

"We have come here this eve to witness
The sacred vows of marriage between
Lady Aurla and Lord Turgen."

"The uniting of two individuals from two separate families and backgrounds
To establish a new family is an important and memorable event."

Songie placed a hand over her heart.

"For us, attached as we are to Aurla and Turgen by special bonds
O' love and affection, the uniting of these two in heart, body and mind,
Is an occasion o' great significance which we celebrate!"

"In their love together, which they publicly express in this ceremony,
Aurla and Turgen demonstrate not only their joy in the present
But their commitment to share the future together."

Songie smiled at Dessedemona and recited:

"Lady Dessdemona hath prepared a song she will perform for us now."

Dessedemona stood up and smiled as she turned to face the assembled crowd while Songie moved back to stand in front of the altar.

Dessedemona curtsied to Aurla, Turgen and Songie, who bowed and smiled at her.

Dessedemona sang:

"We circle round touching constantly
Dancing near almost in my reach
All I hoped all I dared to dream
Is this love all that it seems"

"You come to me in circles of light
Free my soul teach me how to fly
Fly high across the sky
Circling in dizzying height"

"And when we think that all is said and done
We circle around again we've just begun
Round and round time and again
Circling no beginning no end"

"You give I take I give you receive
Loving here held in your sweet peace
This love has no reason no rhyme
Timeless time after time"

"I give you love it circles back to me
In your heart my heart is held so free
Fly high through the night
Circling together we fly"

"And when we think that all is said and done
We circle around again we've just begun
Round and round time and again
Circling no beginning no end"

"Circling
Time and again"

"Circling
No beginning
No end"

As she finished, Dessedemona kissed Aurla on the cheek and curtsied, saying only "love, sweety" as she smiled at the bride.

Dessedemona then curtsied to the enthusiastic crowd, as the brilliant white plumage of the curious owls above offered a striking contrast to the muted shades of nature in the moonlit meadow, giving the roosting pair a lasting impression of romance.

Songie recited:"Thank ye Dessedemona" as Aurla and Turgen beamed happily at their old friend.

There followed extended applause.

Songie smiled at Aurla and Turgen as she turned back towards the couple.

Songie recited:

"We share their joy, and promise to do all we can to help
Bring to fulfillment a future of peace
And love for them and for all people."

Turgen smiled at Songie.

Songie said, "Please kneel Aurla and Turgen." The groom and bride knelt side by side, as Songie placed her hands over their heads.

Several brightly-colored butterflies then hovered above the bride and groom, playfully fluttering in the soft breeze. After a brief moment, they drifted away like an undulating, floating wave of color.

Songie recited:

"Let us pray! I call upon our gods
Source of loving blessings, in happiness and joy
We thank thee for thy blessings."

"May ye grant Aurla and Turgen
The ability to rejoice always in their love.
May ye fulfill every worthy wish of their hearts."

"May ye open their eyes to the beauty and the mystery
Of the love they hold for each other, every day as today."

"And may their life together embrace and nurture
The promise of this moment, so that all who
Know them will call them truly blessed."

Songie closed her eyes for a moment before continuing.

"Now let us bear witness to the promises
They will recite for each other this day!"

Songie beamed, then smiled warmly at Aurla and Turgen as she removed the first of two sparkling gold amulets from in her silk claret satchel.

Songie recited:

"Turgen, takes this amulet and give it to thy bride."


Songie offers Turgen a sparkling gold amulet, which he accepted, holding it aloft and giving it a hearty kiss before offering it to Aurla.

Aurla blushed a nice shade of deep red, gazing fondly at Turgen as she accepted the amulet.

Turgen smiled at Aurla as Songie continued:

"Tell her what ye heart says to ye about her. Forever let this amulet represent what ye say now."

Turgen recited:

"I remember the first time I met her.
Young she was and so very kind.
I turned to a friend and asked who she was."

"He in turn said, that is Lady Aurla a wizard and friend.
I thanked him for the information
And recalled her name with caring and kindness."

"I remember the next time I saw her.
Twas on the island of fire.
A land of fire, lava and danger.
To her I turned and asked if she could spare me magic of protection."

"Much to my gratitude she agreed.
And I rememberd her kindness and caring for another."

"I remember our next meeting, again on the island of fire.
I found her lonely and wishing company.
So I stayed and conversed with this fine lady wizard.
She was so tender, so very thoughtfull."

"I began to think I could use a friend too.
I a ranger of the wilds the friend of a wizard of the city?
How odd I thought for me to feel this way.
I was enamored of her compassion"

"On our next meeting I again found her alone.
I asked if she would care to hunt.
Much to my pleasure she agreed
We hunted the dire creatures of the island of fire.
And they fell before us."

"We complemented each other well
I was at ease to have her with me
I found joy in her company."

"As time passed she became my constant companion.
To my surprise I found even a solitary ranger enjoyed anothers company.
I found joy in her presence and counted her a friend tried and true."

"Although it was slow in coming.
In the back of my mind was dawning the realization
I could not imagine not having this wonderful lady by my side."

"I did not admit to my feelings for her.
How could I? A ranger of solitary nature in need of a companion?"

"This could not be! I felt confident that I was just becoming weak.
That all I really needed was some time alone.
To reassert my solitary nature and to verify my ability to stand on my own."

"So time went on, and I found to my surprise.
My companion, the lady who I had become so accustomed to.
My friend that I really didn't need.
But still needed somehow. "

"This companion had become more to me.
I found I was missing something of myself when she was not with me.
She was the completion of my soul. My other half. "

"Although it was late in coming.
When I finally realized how much she meant to me.
I decided then and there to take action!
I could not be without this kind, caring, compassionate, loving lady."

"I asked her if she would consent to be my wife.
To my amazement, after all I had put her through. She agreed!
And I was overjoyed."

Aurla sniffed.

Turgen continued:

"To you Lady Aurla.
For your love.
For your caring.
For your understanding.
I owe you the world.
And I hope someday I can give it to you."

"I cherish you my compassionate wizardess.
My kind friend.
My darling companion.
The other half of my soul.
I will strive to make myself worthy of your love."

"And will be driven to make you happy.
To express the love I have for you in the deepest recess of my heart.
Thank you for having a lowly mudmage to be your husband."

"The honor, pride and joy is almost more than my heart can bear."

Aurla beamed, happy tears standing in her eyes, while she hung the amulet around her neck, and Songie removed a second sparkling gold amulet from in her satchel.

The crowd then burst into raucous 'well said's!' and cheers, which actually caused Turgen to blush a lovely shade of bright pink.

Songie smiled gently at Aurla while a tiny green frog hopped quickly up to Turgen, croaked once and hopped away.

Songie recited:

"Aurla, takes this amulet and give it to thy groom."

Songie offers Aurla a sparkling gold amulet which Aurla accepted as Songie continued:

"Tell him what ye heart says to ye about him. Forever let this amulet represent what ye say now."

Aurla grinned as she said, "Wow how can I compare to that?"

Then, she cracked her knuckles, and did.

Aurla recited:

"One day my friend and I
Stopped by an old wishing well
I dropped in a coin, And made a wish
My longing and my dream "

"In my dreams
I pictured a person who was
Intelligent, sensitive, good-looking
Talented, creative, fun, strong and wise
Who would so completely overwhelm me with love "

"It was just wishful dreaming
Or so i thought.....
But then there was that old well
For a witness"

"We started the long
Journey of transformation
From two separate people
To becoming one "

"Long ago I never really expected
To find one person with all these
Outstanding Qualities but then...
I met you .. "

"And not only did you
Bring back my beliefs in dreams
But you are even more wonderful
Than my dreams "

"By that simple act there by the well
You, my love, my life, my Turgen
You proved to me that
Dreams and wishes really do come true
I love you, my dearest, for all time to come
And beyond "

Aurla then offered Turgen a sparkling gold amulet which he accepted as they beamed fondly at one another. The sparkling amulets hung over their hearts as remembrances of their love.

There then followed lots of sniffles and teary-eyed smiles from the crowd as another tiny green frog hopped quickly up to Aurla, croaked once and hopped away.

Songie smiled and tilted her head softly toward the kneeling couple before turning to face Turgen.

"Turgen do ye promise to love and cherish
Aurla? Wilt thou love comfort her, honour,
And keep her, in good times and in bad
And forsaking all others, keep thee only unto her all ye days?"

Turgen recited:

"I do with honor m'lady"

Songie smiled at Turgen and turned to face Aurla.

"Aurla do ye promise to love and cherish
Turgen? Wilt thou love comfort him, honour,
And keep him, in good times and in bad
And forsaking all others, keep thee only unto him all ye days?"

Aurla said, "I do with all my heart and soul"

Songie smiled at Aurla, and then looked out over the assembled family and friends as the romantic scent of night-blooming jasmine drifted in with the soft mountain currents, leaving a pleasant, lingering aroma in the night air.

Songie recited:

"I ask that all of ye witnessing these vows do everything
In thy power to uphold Aurla and Turgen in their marriage!"

Of course, we all agreed.

Songie recited:

"We will now hear a story and song from Lady Elaerina."

Songie curtsied to Elaerina as the young bardess blushed a lovely shade of bright pink and stood.

As she knew what was coming, Aurla beamed happily at Elaerina while giggling and gazing fondly at Turgen.

Elaerina chuckled along with their private joke.

Elaerina said, "Recently, I found out that Aurla's family symbol was the centaur, while Turgen is Laird o' pollywogs and such."

Elaerina said, "This gave me quite a start, as I realized that I was in the posession o' the song aboot their first kiss. I will now sing it for ye."

A pair of fawns timidly approached, as if watching the ceremony. They lovingly nuzzled each other and as quietly as they arrived, returned to their woodland home.

Elaerina sang:

"Long ago a centaur lass
Lost her heart I have heard tell
Tae a handsome pollywog lad
Do not laugh - she loved him well."

"'Twas a quandry though, 'tis true
Though their love was ne'er slacking
For he'd nae legs nor even arms
And her swimming skills were lacking."

"Said the centaur, "I have heard
That a kiss undoes a curse
E'en if a centaur prince you're not
Could our fate be any worse?""

""Oh, please do let us both find out!"
Cried the pollywog with fervor
Although the lad did truly fear
That he did not quite deserve her."

"So as she knelt down in the mud
Up hoof and mane he dared
Toward his lofty goal, aye
The lips o' the centaur mare."

"His goal he very soon did reach
Bent down as gentle as ye please
But then he tickled one fine hair
And the centaur lass did sneeze!"

"Through the air the froglet flew
From centaur nose into the sky!
But did our brave young lad give in?
Nae, he climbed back for another try!"

"And after only two more sneezes
With muddy landings for each one
Our pollywog did kiss her lips
His noble quest was finally done!"

"The air it shimmered once
And with a pop and a small splash
The centaur gal that he did love
Had become a gorgeous pollywog lass!"

"She spluttered, aye, but only once
Then they gasped, and then they giggled
And finally smiling in true love
Side by side, away they wiggled."

"The moral tae this story
It be old, but it be true
Tae break the curse ye kiss the frog
Dun let the frog be kissing you!"

There followed laughs and applause while Elaerina curtsied to Turgen, who simply said, "I loves it."

Elaerina then curtsied to Aurla, and continued.

Elaerina said, "Me song be aboot their commitment tae each other at the wishing well"

Elaerina sang:

"A coin drops from a single hand
The wish it holds falls from above
A maiden sighs but once, so softly
Declares then her undying love."

"Amongst the other wishes nestled
In water dark and rimed with frost
The maiden's coin glows bright long after
Others have their luster lost."

"Above the wishing well time passes
Two souls respect and friendship learn
And while above no words are spoken
Below, in waters dark, hope burns."

"And then one day two new coins fall
To join the one wish faithfully held
Two friends now turn and smile with joy
Two wishes into one dream meld."

"And as before, the maiden sighs
While in the moonlight from above
The water in the wishing well
Reflects two hands entwined in love."

Elaerina then kissed the smiling bride and groom on the cheek, was soundly hugged, and sat down as the applause ended.

Songie curtsied to Elaerina, reciting "Thank ye Elaerina," before turning to the bride and groom with a smile on her face.

Tebon opened a stained green velvet ring box while Songie slid a ruby and gold wedding ring off her finger.

Songie recited:

"The wedding ring is a symbol of unity,
A circle unbroken, without beginning or end."

Songie rubbed her ruby and gold wedding ring before sliding it back onto her finger, reciting:

"This day Aurla and Turgen give and receive rings
As symbols of their vows to make their life one,
To work always to create a love that is whole,
Unbroken, and to love the other without end."

Songie turned, smiling as Tebon and Tymbir handed her a vaalin wedding ring and a vaalin wedding band.

Songie closed her eyes for a moment, then recited:

"I humbly ask that the gods bless these circles of unity.
May all that see these rings see the commitment
To love these rings represent!"

A bright light from above pierced the night sky, enveloping the ring and band in a soft glow.

Songie gazed up into the heavens, then moved to stand in front of Turgen, offering him a vaalin wedding ring.

"Turgen give Aurla the ring and say after me, "With this ring I offer my eternal troth and love. Will ye take me as thy husband?"

Turgen accepted Songie's wedding ring, turning to Aurla and reciting:

"With this ring I offer my eternal troth and love. Will ye take me as thy husband?""

Turgen then offered the ring to Aurla, who beamed and said "I do".

Aurla slid the vaalin wedding ring onto her finger as Songie moved to stand in front of her. Turgen could not help gazing fondly at his bride and at the new ring upon her finger.

Songie offered Aurla a vaalin wedding band and recited:

"Aurla, give Turgen the band and say after me, "With this band I offer my eternal troth and love. Will ye take me as thy wife?"

Aurla accepted Songie's wedding band and asked, "With this band I offer my eternal troth and love. Will ye take me as thy wife?"

Turgen responded, "With joy my love."

Aurla offered Turgen the vaalin wedding band, which he accepted, quickly sliding it onto his finger as Aurla watched joyfully.

Songie smiled softly, and moved to stand in front of the carved wood altar.

Songie recited:

"Before our gods and in the presence of thy witnesses,
This loving couple have made their solemn vows to each other."

Above, in the clear night sky, the four stars of the Paladin constellation shone benevolently upon all gathered, a celestial reminder of truth and wisdom.

Songie recited:

"They have confirmed their promises by joining of hands
And the giving and receiving of rings."

"As cleric of these lands and the powers entrusted to me
I proclaim that Aurla and Turgen are husband and wife!"

"Turgen, kiss thy bride!"

Turgen beamed and the crowd erupted into howls and cheers as he did just that!

Celtic then asked, "Where's th' booze?"

Of the party that then ensued, much can be written and much can be sung, but of course, that must wait for another day. This bardess simply leaves you all with Songie's parting toast for the couple:

"May ye bellies always be full of good food,
Thy coffers overflowing with countless coins,
Ye hearts and souls always be merry and light,
And may ye bed always be...well a newlywed bed!"