8th day of the 7th month 580th year of the 8th era

When Vel led Akuchi out of the baths, the lighting mosses were glowing brightly. They walked down the path and came to the clearing in front of the Mother Tree. Tables had grown out of the trees arranged in a geometric pattern around a central platform. On top of the central platform, a huge long table stretched out across the platform. Behind all the tables were seats covered in a soft moss that was warm to the touch.

“Wow,” exclaimed Akuchi. “These weren’t here last time.”

“This is the gathering field,” said Vel. “Here we can arrange it for a purpose; this arrangement is for a wedding offer to be formally accepted or declined. It can also be arranged for any purpose that we see fit.”

“If I decline …” hesitated Akuchi. They have gone to all this work … would it be rude to decline?

“Oh,” sighed Vel, “we still have a party.”

“But if I accept?”

“Then we have a grand party, and a wedding right then.” Vel bounced on the balls on his feet. His eyes lit up gleefully.

A loud trumpet blasted a quick triplet with a long last note.

The king strode out of the Mother Tree flanked on either side by nobles and courtiers. He ascended the stairs and sat next to the high seat. The nobles and courtiers began to fill up the remainder of the seats based upon their ranks and arranged by their families. Yellow stripes sat together, and blue stripes sat together; blue stars sat next to them, and those that had both blue stars and blue stripes sat between both groups. A sprinkling of oranges and greens mixed among both parties.

Once all were seated the king stood.

“Yesterday I asked a guest of the dark elves to become my son-in-law,” the king called out, raising his hands.

A loud murmur caused Akuchi to look behind him. A large crowd had gathered. Their colours were an assortment of patterns and images. They had gathered at the edge of the clearing. Some were looking at him with wonder, others with disgust.

“Locals and commoners,” whispered Vel to Akuchi.

“Now after the traditional wait time, we will hear his response,” bellowed the king.

The crowd began to clap sporadically.

“You must go and give your answer to the king,” Vel muttered into Akuchi’s ear.

Akuchi threw his shoulders back and walked through the tables to the high table. Reaching the high table, he knelt before the king and lowered his head.

Accept or reject? … I don’t really have a choice. It’s either marry the princess or death.

“Akuchi, are you willing to take my daughter's hand in marriage?” the king asked.

Akuchi stood. “I am.” I will get married. I can deal with the political intrigues with my wife.

“Then take your position,” the king cheered, indicating a seat beside him.

Akuchi ascended the dais and sat into the empty chair beside the king. Another empty chair sat next to Akuchi on the opposite side of the king. On the other side of the king sat a youngish looking elf boy with features matching the king. He was painted in a pinkish purple.

The crowd parted as a veiled figure emerged from the Mother Tree and proceeded down to the space in front of the dais. The figure wore a veil that ran from the top of her head down to the bottom.

“I have come to meet the man that has agreed to marry me,” the figure intoned.

I thought this was locked in? I totally forgot to ask her how she felt about marrying me.

“Daughter, this man,” the king declared, indicating Akuchi, “has agreed to marry you. What do you say?”

“If he is willing to take me, I am willing to have him,” Aife replied.

Akuchi let go of the breath he had been holding.

“Then we shall begin,” echoed the king.

“You have to go down and stand beside her,” whispered the woman in green wavy lines that sat on the far side of the empty chair.

“Thank you,” Akuchi murmured as he rose from his chair and hurried down the steps.

Akuchi took his place to the left of Aife. He couldn’t make out any of her features.

“You are very brave,” Aife muttered.

“I can’t offer you much but what I do have is yours,” Akuchi replied.

“Thanks. That is the best offer I have received from all the others.”

How is it, what I offer is better than what she has received from the others? Surely the others had much more to offer than I do: a simple life of hardship and long work.

The king raised his hands. “Today we are gathered here to witness the union of these two people before the gods. Who comes before those assembled this day?”

“Follow my lead,” the princess whispered to Akuchi. “I, Aife, Princess of the Dark Elves and Daughter to King Caradec, come and stand before this crowd and the gods.”

“I, Akuchi Rosethorn, come and stand in the presence of this crowd and before the gods,” Akuchi declared. “Thank you,” Akuchi whispered to Aife.

“Why do you come before the gods?” King Caradec asked.

“I come to marry this woman to secure peace for me and mine,” Akuchi answered.

“Do you, Aife, take this man for your husband, before the gods?”

“I take Akuchi Rosethorn, to take him as my husband.”

“Turn and make your pledges,” King Caradec instructed.

“I will go first, so you know the sacred words,” informed Aife.

“Thank you.”

They turned and stood facing each other. A courtier appeared beside them took each of their hands and placed them in each other before melting away.

I am holding the princess’s hand. I hope I don’t revolt her.

“I, Aife, Princess of the Dark Elves take this man to be my husband in the sight of witnesses and before the gods, to have and to hold until the day that I die. What is mine is his and his is mine.”

Oh crap, she is finished, I hope I can remember everything she is saying. Her skin is so soft.

“I, Akuchi Rosethorn, take this woman to be my wife in the sight of witnesses and before the gods, to have and to hold until the day I die. What is mine is hers and hers is mine.”

Was that all that she said? I hope I didn’t miss anything.

The king stood in front of them and raised his hands.

“A union is a sacred thing ordained by the gods for the security of women and children, the redemption of men, and for the procreation of children. A pact made in the sight of the gods is not one to be entered into lightly or cravenly, but with thought and consideration. One must be aware of the price a marriage union has on themselves and on the other. New duties and responsibilities are required of both parties. The man is called by the gods to serve and cherish his wife. The woman is called to love and honour her husband. Until the union is dissolved by the will of the gods through the death of one or both parties. A union of royal blood is required to be sanctified by the people and those gathered here serve as witnesses to the sacred union.” The king paused, letting the silence hang for a moment. “People of the dark elves, do you sanctify this union between Akuchi Rosethorn and Aife, Princess of the realm?”

A soft cheer broke out from the assembled peoples, the nobles and courtiers stood in behind their tables and clapped. Several stood, arms folded, shaking their heads.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife,” King Caradec bellowed over the cheering. “Now we feast.”

Akuchi led Aife up the steps and they took their places beside the king at the high table.

Huge platters of salads and fruits and nuts were placed in front of them and on all the tables.

Akuchi looked at the food. I hope that this is not all the food.

“Aife, is this all the food?” Akuchi asked leaning towards his new wife.

“No this is just the start. A wedding feast will have several rounds.”

“Will there be meat?” I hope I don’t offend anyone by asking.

“Of course, there will be meat.” She giggled. “Did you think that we wouldn’t eat meat?”

“The thought just crossed my mind,” he admitted.

“Don’t worry,” she placated, placing a hand on his arm.

She touched me. A quick warm feeling buzzed around the contact point.

“Eat. After the food we will go back to your farm,” she said.

Goblets of wine were passed around, Akuchi and Aife both took one. Akuchi watched Aife’s hand as it came out from underneath the veil to grasp the goblet. It was clear of any paint. She had all the normal number of fingers. Thank the gods. Her arm had thin wispy scar lines pockmarked with old and current scars that ran along her lower arm, in an intricate pattern.

“Aren’t you meant to be painted?” Akuchi asked.

“Normally we are,” Aife agreed, “but today I am getting married, so I decided to forgo the paint, as you would not be painted yourself.”

“Is that why you are wearing the veil?” Akuchi asked.

Aife laughed, the laughter brought a smile to Akuchi’s face.

“What’s so funny?” he asked.

“You ask so many questions,” she replied placing a veiled hand on his arm.

A warm sensation travelled up his arm, causing a smile to spread on his lips.

“Don’t worry about the dark elf culture. I will be living in your world now, so it matters little.”

“You are not eating,” roared King Caradec. “Are you not hungry?”

The king nudged Akuchi in the back, pitching him forward a little. Akuchi winced and turned to face Caradec.

“I am hungry, my lord,” Akuchi placated. “I was trying to get to know your daughter a little better.”

The king roared with laughter. “There will be plenty of time for that.” Those words sent a rumble of laughter from the assembled people below, all who watched him over goblets and mugs.

Akuchi smiled, reached out to a plate, took a handful of nuts and berries, and placed them on the plate in front of him. Picking up a small nut he recognised, he popped it into his mouth and smiled once again at the king.

“Good,” smiled the king. Standing in his place he raised his arms and declared, “bring on the entertainment.”

Akuchi felt a gentle touch on his leg and turned to look at his new wife.

“He seems very happy,” she commented, “we will talk more tonight.” She then turned and began to talk to the elf sitting next to her.

A young elf painted in purple swirls tapped Akuchi’s shoulder. Akuchi turned to look at him. He was lean and covered in warts and crisscrossed with scars. His nose was out of joint and his top lip split in two showing his yellow crooked teeth. He said nothing but extended his hand. Akuchi took his hand. The young elf shook his hand, then released it. The young elf bowed and walked away.

“Who was that?”

Aife turned and looked at Akuchi.

“Someone came up and shook my hand, bowed then left.”

“Painted purple?”

“Yes.”

“Oh, that would be my brother.”

“Can he speak?” Akuchi indicated his upper lip.

“Sure, he likes to pretend he can’t.”

“How long has he been doing it?”

“Most of his life. My father and I think he does it to get attention. Pay no heed to him, it’s our time now.”