Rowan stood, comfortable in his black and silver tux, leaning against the wall on the opposite side of the bridge from Cris, on he Meridian side. He might have looked the very picture of nonchalance, but the nudge from the much shorter man next to him had to be repeated twice before Rowan even noticed it. He looked down to see Henri's brown eyes laughing up at him.
"Distracted, eh?"
"Weren't you?" Rowan asked, nodding his chin toward Renee, who was present as a guest. His eyes strayed away from Cris for a second too long and Rowan returned them to where they settled comfortably once more on Cris's slightly distant figure. "He's gorgeous," Rowan said.
Henri exchanged a glance with Eiryk that Rowan didn't pay any attention to at all. This was their day, finally. Finally, finally, his heart seemed to sing. His journals were full of all things 'marriage' and 'Cris' and he was so happy that nothing short of the apocalypse could drag him off this cloud.
The prospect of centuries ahead of him had never been more exciting. Rowan remembered waking up, dazed and confused, on the top floor of a small building in Paris over twelve hundred years ago. With no memory of who he was or where he'd come from he'd forged ahead in life, making his own memories and creating his own history. Nothing, however, could have prepared him for this. Nothing could feel more right. Heading forward into the future at Cris's side, Rowan knew he had finally found his family and his true home. Today was just making it official; his heart had done so long ago.
"You know you're supposed to wait for us to go first, right?" Henri still teased, but Rowan looked down to discover he'd actually pushed himself away from his casual post and taken a step toward Cris.
"Right. Of course," Rowan said, crossing his arms and tapping his foot. He was a patient man, but that trait had deserted him. He wanted to be with Cris half an hour ago.
Henri just chuckled knowingly and began to walk toward Alfarinn when he beckoned, with Eiryk close behind.
We gather together(Attn:Rowan)
The day had quickly arrived and yet he thought he could continue to plan for another decade if everyone would let him. He wanted it to be perfect and the strategist in him tried to plan for every potential possibility that could go wrong so that he had a way to keep it from spoiling their day. Of course he might be the rigid planner of this occasion but he was also the one who insisted on the raccoon being in attendance. If something was likely to go wrong then having a fluffy bandit for the flower...critter was prime place for it to start. He figured that Shawe's mischief would be minor and they would all be happier for it. Therefore it was harmless at worst and touching at best.
Cris stood on the Liefde side of the bridge and looked across its span. He could make out Rowan's figure and bright hair in the far distance. In the middle of the bridge between The Towers stood their row of witnesses and in front of them stood Alfarinn. He was dressed in a silver grey suit but he appeared both modern and ancient at the same time. His long hair fell loose in the back but the front it was collected in twin braids that hung over his shoulders. A heavy silver torque hung around his neck and two crows were perched on his shoulders. Cris knew them to be Natt and Gudrid. At least he left Skodde at home or this would have been more zoo than wedding. Still he thought that Alfarinn managed to silently convey that he was every bit an elder today with all the power and responsibility that entailed.
He was both nervous and calm, excited and scared to death. If he didn't know any better he would have sworn he was going into battle. The black tux with silver cummerbund and kerchief seemed odd for a moment. His mind drifted back to his days as a human child dashing through combatants on a field, joining them and later commanding them. It moved forward in swift flashes picking up highlights from his life that led him here. Mercilessly pointing out how many of his memories did not involve a partner. And then Rowan entered those flashes and a smile spread across his face. The highs were higher but the lows had not been lower; they were better together, stronger, happier.
He was ready. Cris thought he couldn't possibly be more ready. However it turned out would be perfect. Rowan was here and they were together. Their friends were here and they were happy for them. Evenhet and Meridian were here and they would share their joy thanks to MARI displaying the wedding through out both buildings.
Alfarinn reached out both his hands and beckoned each side. From his section would come Aishe and Ume. Cris leaned close and murmured softly. "I couldn't ask for a more beautiful advanced guard. Thank you both.â€
Rowan Murphy
11 years ago
Aishe
11 years ago
Aishe couldn't remember the last time she'd been so excited. When Cris leaned in and thanked them she stood on her toes and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek, careful not to get any lipstick on his fair skin. She smiled and shook her head at his labeling them 'advanced guard.' Trust Cris to plan a wedding with military precision - and terminology. She supposed advanced guard was better than 'cannon fodder.'
Shawe stood on the floor, washed and brushed and polished to a glossy sleek shine. He had a little basket strapped over his raccoon shoulders, full of flower petals. They had practiced his role several times in the last few days and he had it down. Not only that, but he seemed content to be obedient today, which was a blessing. Aishe supposed it might be that he was just fascinated with everything going on around him, but if it worked in their favor she'd take it.
She and Ume were to go first across the bridge; Shawe would follow, continuing on to Rowan's side where Kiamhaat waited to pick the raccoon up and hold him among the witnesses for the remainder of the ceremony. When Alfarinn gestured, Aishe began to walk slowly out, smiling at Henri who came from Rowan's side looking... well, completely unremarkable in his own elegant clothing. Aishe wore the same dress as Ume, a little silver dress that fluttered prettily as they made their way to their places.
Aishe felt for Shawe and said, [All right, come now.] She felt rather than heard his affirmation and glanced behind her to see that he was indeed making his way across the bridge as practiced, scattering the contents of his little basket as he went with both hands. Walk, stop, scatter. Walk, stop, scatter.
He drew closer and Aishe's brow furrowed. Walk, stop, clatter. Walk, stop, jingle. Walk, stop, tink, tink. She held her breath as Shawe blithely continued across the bridge, not even looking at her, scattering flower petals and a varied (and huge) assortment of brightly-polished nuts, bolts, wires, tiny gears, and cogs. With a sigh she pinched the bridge of her nose and tried not to laugh as the raccoon continued across the bridge, upended the entire remaining contents of his basket at Rowan's feet, and then tossed it aside to hold both paws up to Kiamhaat, who appeared to be shaking with laughter right alongside Rowan. He bent, picked the raccoon up, and gave him a small slice of caramel apple, which Shawe nibbled contentedly on.
[Where did he get all of that from?]
[Sigh. I'm going to build the neighbors a new shed,] was Kiamhaat's only answer.
[Out of titanium?]
[He'd probably take that apart, too.]
[No, he'd learn to tunnel.]
[Titanium floors.]
Aishe just laughed softly; Shawe had done what he was supposed to do. He had just added his own touch and really, with Cris involved, it almost actually seemed appropriate. She would apologize later.
Shawe stood on the floor, washed and brushed and polished to a glossy sleek shine. He had a little basket strapped over his raccoon shoulders, full of flower petals. They had practiced his role several times in the last few days and he had it down. Not only that, but he seemed content to be obedient today, which was a blessing. Aishe supposed it might be that he was just fascinated with everything going on around him, but if it worked in their favor she'd take it.
She and Ume were to go first across the bridge; Shawe would follow, continuing on to Rowan's side where Kiamhaat waited to pick the raccoon up and hold him among the witnesses for the remainder of the ceremony. When Alfarinn gestured, Aishe began to walk slowly out, smiling at Henri who came from Rowan's side looking... well, completely unremarkable in his own elegant clothing. Aishe wore the same dress as Ume, a little silver dress that fluttered prettily as they made their way to their places.
Aishe felt for Shawe and said, [All right, come now.] She felt rather than heard his affirmation and glanced behind her to see that he was indeed making his way across the bridge as practiced, scattering the contents of his little basket as he went with both hands. Walk, stop, scatter. Walk, stop, scatter.
He drew closer and Aishe's brow furrowed. Walk, stop, clatter. Walk, stop, jingle. Walk, stop, tink, tink. She held her breath as Shawe blithely continued across the bridge, not even looking at her, scattering flower petals and a varied (and huge) assortment of brightly-polished nuts, bolts, wires, tiny gears, and cogs. With a sigh she pinched the bridge of her nose and tried not to laugh as the raccoon continued across the bridge, upended the entire remaining contents of his basket at Rowan's feet, and then tossed it aside to hold both paws up to Kiamhaat, who appeared to be shaking with laughter right alongside Rowan. He bent, picked the raccoon up, and gave him a small slice of caramel apple, which Shawe nibbled contentedly on.
[Where did he get all of that from?]
[Sigh. I'm going to build the neighbors a new shed,] was Kiamhaat's only answer.
[Out of titanium?]
[He'd probably take that apart, too.]
[No, he'd learn to tunnel.]
[Titanium floors.]
Aishe just laughed softly; Shawe had done what he was supposed to do. He had just added his own touch and really, with Cris involved, it almost actually seemed appropriate. She would apologize later.
Christian Bern
11 years ago
Cris watched Aishe and Ume walk past him and out toward the center with no small amount of pride. He had a family. It amazed him still. While he was being an anti-social hermit guarding his two towers he had somehow managed to find a family. A real one, not just his clan but an actual close family to share every day laughter and sorrow, trials and triumphs with.
He looked across the way at Rowan, feeling that he had gotten so much more than a partner. He had somehow found life again.
Looking down, his furry little grandson seemed to be listening to someone only he could hear. As a sender, Cris could understand what that was like.
Shawe began waddling out across the bridge. The first couple of tosses seemed entirely normal. Red rose petals stood out like drops of blood against the silver runner that stretched across the expanse in front of him. And then was a soft thud. Cris furrowed his brow and looked closer. A large bolt sat among the latest bunch of petals. And then a wire and there a screw...
Placing a knuckle against his lips, Cris tried his best to stifle his laughter. He was certain that this was a serious occasion but he couldn't help but be amused his Shawe's redecoration of their aisle. It was a touching gift and seemed entirely appropriate. He would have to thank his favorite raccoon later.
Sending to his partner before they were married might be against some tradition somewhere but he did it anyway. [You know he has stolen the show, right? Weeks from now they will be talking about the raccoon at so and so's wedding. Oh, yes, he was so adorable! I totally want one to hug of my very own! Who got married again?]
He was still shaking with mirth when Alfarinn reached out his hands again and beckoned he and Rowan forward.
((OOC: I stopped before writing Alfarinn but can start the ceremony if Rowan wishes. ))
He looked across the way at Rowan, feeling that he had gotten so much more than a partner. He had somehow found life again.
Looking down, his furry little grandson seemed to be listening to someone only he could hear. As a sender, Cris could understand what that was like.
Shawe began waddling out across the bridge. The first couple of tosses seemed entirely normal. Red rose petals stood out like drops of blood against the silver runner that stretched across the expanse in front of him. And then was a soft thud. Cris furrowed his brow and looked closer. A large bolt sat among the latest bunch of petals. And then a wire and there a screw...
Placing a knuckle against his lips, Cris tried his best to stifle his laughter. He was certain that this was a serious occasion but he couldn't help but be amused his Shawe's redecoration of their aisle. It was a touching gift and seemed entirely appropriate. He would have to thank his favorite raccoon later.
Sending to his partner before they were married might be against some tradition somewhere but he did it anyway. [You know he has stolen the show, right? Weeks from now they will be talking about the raccoon at so and so's wedding. Oh, yes, he was so adorable! I totally want one to hug of my very own! Who got married again?]
He was still shaking with mirth when Alfarinn reached out his hands again and beckoned he and Rowan forward.
((OOC: I stopped before writing Alfarinn but can start the ceremony if Rowan wishes. ))
Rowan Murphy
11 years ago
The giggling seemed to start from Cris's side of the walkway and swept in a wave toward Rowan's end. It took a minute to realize what all the laughter was about as Shawe made his way across the silver carpet. As the raccoon drew closer it became very apparent. Rowan heard a strangled noise behind him and turned to see Kem, slightly red with suppressed - well, Rowan hoped it was laughter - as the raccoon scattered what had to be the workings of several small appliances mixed in with the rose petals. Rowan just laughed; it was adorable and completely suitable.
He heard Cris's sending in his head and shook his in response. [Have to admit, it's pretty damn cute. I wonder where he got all that mess from? And how he got it into the basket without Aishe noticing? Your daughter's usually got eyes on the back of her head when it comes to Shawe.]
It was sent without blame, but rather a sense of being impressed instead. That was some A-1 sneakiness on Shawe's part, to get those things past Aishe. The only thing was, Rowan didn't think the little guy should steal the show. When their attendants had gone out before them and Shawe was safe in Kem's arms, Rowan stepped carefully over the pile of discarded petals and metal bits and made his way toward Cris, who was approaching from the other side of the bridge.
They met in the middle, joined hands, but before they could turn to face Alfarinn Rowan held one finger up toward the Elder in a 'wait a second' motion and gently tugged Cris to him. Then, wedding propriety be damned, he kissed his husband-to-be deeply, tenderly, scandalously, but above all, with all the love and passion in his heart. When he broke away, a guileless smile on his lips, he murmured to Cris, "I say we steal it back. It's our day."
Only then did he turn to Alfarinn shamelessly, ready for their vows. Being apart for even the short while they'd been today was too much at this moment. Rowan understood the impact now, though. Absence could not possibly make him any fonder of Cris - nothing could. But it had certainly made him miss him like crazy.
Now he was eager to have this ceremony. While in his heart he was already married to the man next to him, he wanted to do it here, in front of everyone they knew, and thanks to MARI in front of lots of people he didn't know. They would be acknowledged forever as a couple, and Rowan still couldn't believe that Cris wanted this as much as he did. He was the perfect partner for Rowan, and Rowan would always hope to be perfect for Cris, and now their whole world would know that they would be bonded forever.
He heard Cris's sending in his head and shook his in response. [Have to admit, it's pretty damn cute. I wonder where he got all that mess from? And how he got it into the basket without Aishe noticing? Your daughter's usually got eyes on the back of her head when it comes to Shawe.]
It was sent without blame, but rather a sense of being impressed instead. That was some A-1 sneakiness on Shawe's part, to get those things past Aishe. The only thing was, Rowan didn't think the little guy should steal the show. When their attendants had gone out before them and Shawe was safe in Kem's arms, Rowan stepped carefully over the pile of discarded petals and metal bits and made his way toward Cris, who was approaching from the other side of the bridge.
They met in the middle, joined hands, but before they could turn to face Alfarinn Rowan held one finger up toward the Elder in a 'wait a second' motion and gently tugged Cris to him. Then, wedding propriety be damned, he kissed his husband-to-be deeply, tenderly, scandalously, but above all, with all the love and passion in his heart. When he broke away, a guileless smile on his lips, he murmured to Cris, "I say we steal it back. It's our day."
Only then did he turn to Alfarinn shamelessly, ready for their vows. Being apart for even the short while they'd been today was too much at this moment. Rowan understood the impact now, though. Absence could not possibly make him any fonder of Cris - nothing could. But it had certainly made him miss him like crazy.
Now he was eager to have this ceremony. While in his heart he was already married to the man next to him, he wanted to do it here, in front of everyone they knew, and thanks to MARI in front of lots of people he didn't know. They would be acknowledged forever as a couple, and Rowan still couldn't believe that Cris wanted this as much as he did. He was the perfect partner for Rowan, and Rowan would always hope to be perfect for Cris, and now their whole world would know that they would be bonded forever.
Christian Bern
11 years ago
[There is no telling.] Cris sent back amused. [It -is- very sweet and I think I approve of the unexpected change...but we might not tell anyone that immediately.] Later he would mention it to Aishe lest his raccoon grandson get into trouble. He suspected though that Shawe wouldn't be suffering too much for his sneaky little plan. He might be in trouble for raiding the neighbor's shed again though.
Alfarinn called them forward and Cris quickly forgot about sheds and lawn mowers without parts. He navigated the little minefield of hardware and petals almost without noticing. His eyes were locked on the redhead that was drawing closer to him.
Cris smiled up at Rowan and reached out his hand for his partner's own, intending to turn around so that Alfarinn could begin the ceremony but he didn't make it that far.
Rowan didn't exactly follow rules. It probably shouldn't have surprised him as much as it did that his lover chose to ignore custom in this case as well. It was one of the things that he loved so much and that made Rowan absolutely perfect for him. After the initial shock of being kissed wore off, Cris returned Rowan's embrace with equal ardor.
He smiled softly at his partner's words and then turned toward Alfarinn.
Alfarinn called them forward and Cris quickly forgot about sheds and lawn mowers without parts. He navigated the little minefield of hardware and petals almost without noticing. His eyes were locked on the redhead that was drawing closer to him.
Cris smiled up at Rowan and reached out his hand for his partner's own, intending to turn around so that Alfarinn could begin the ceremony but he didn't make it that far.
Rowan didn't exactly follow rules. It probably shouldn't have surprised him as much as it did that his lover chose to ignore custom in this case as well. It was one of the things that he loved so much and that made Rowan absolutely perfect for him. After the initial shock of being kissed wore off, Cris returned Rowan's embrace with equal ardor.
He smiled softly at his partner's words and then turned toward Alfarinn.
Alfarinn
11 years ago
Alfarinn watched the embrace with a trace amount of amusement catching around the corners of his solemn expression. He could easily feel Cris's surprise and then the welling up of love and passion that followed. There was no doubt that Rowan was a wonderful change in his friend's life and the perfect addition to their family here in The Towers.
"If you two are done...†He murmured softly when the two men finally turned toward him.
Looking out past Cris and Rowan, he addressed the small group of witnesses and the camera that was feeding the video to everyone else.
"Friends and family, we welcome you today to witness the marriage of Crispin, now called Christian Bern and Emory, now called Rowan Murphy. You have shared and contributed to their lives in the past and, by witnessing their marriage today, Christian and Rowan ask you to share their future.
Marriage is a promise. It is made in the hearts of two people and it takes a lifetime to fulfill. Within the circle of its love, marriage encompasses all of life's most important relationships. These two men are each other's partner, lover, teacher, listener, voice of reason, and best friend. They are stronger together than apart.
It is this union which they want officially recognized today and these vows are a promise to continue in these roles for a lifetime.
You both come here of your own free will?â€
((OOC: I figure that there is some things about this ceremony that will be different because it is between two vampires. I also figure that there is some amount of tradition to it and that Alfarinn has done one or two of them before.
If anyone notes the strange wording that doesn't have a clue what is going on then I would imagine that the official word could be that Rowan and Cris both believe in past lives and that they were once two people who loved each other before. Romantic and New agey or something. ))
"If you two are done...†He murmured softly when the two men finally turned toward him.
Looking out past Cris and Rowan, he addressed the small group of witnesses and the camera that was feeding the video to everyone else.
"Friends and family, we welcome you today to witness the marriage of Crispin, now called Christian Bern and Emory, now called Rowan Murphy. You have shared and contributed to their lives in the past and, by witnessing their marriage today, Christian and Rowan ask you to share their future.
Marriage is a promise. It is made in the hearts of two people and it takes a lifetime to fulfill. Within the circle of its love, marriage encompasses all of life's most important relationships. These two men are each other's partner, lover, teacher, listener, voice of reason, and best friend. They are stronger together than apart.
It is this union which they want officially recognized today and these vows are a promise to continue in these roles for a lifetime.
You both come here of your own free will?â€
((OOC: I figure that there is some things about this ceremony that will be different because it is between two vampires. I also figure that there is some amount of tradition to it and that Alfarinn has done one or two of them before.
If anyone notes the strange wording that doesn't have a clue what is going on then I would imagine that the official word could be that Rowan and Cris both believe in past lives and that they were once two people who loved each other before. Romantic and New agey or something. ))
Rowan Murphy
11 years ago
Rowan was still smiling when Alfarinn asked them if they were finished. He squeezed Cris's hand in his and shook his head. "Never," he said softly. His fingers were entwined with Cris's and they would stay there until such time as there was a good reason to separate them. And if he had the opportunity to kiss his partner again he'd take it.
That said, he found himself slipping into a familiar state when Alfarinn began to speak. Rowan's first profession had been as a scribe. In an era where few people were literate, Rowan had discovered early on that he was and he and Henri had capitalized on those skills. Able to read and write multiple languages Rowan had made a good living writing for people and, occasionally, teaching them. More commonly though he had taken dictation and put peoples' thoughts into words for them. It wasn't uncommon for him to have to listen to someone speak and then put the words on paper after.
And so he found that, despite the fact that they had all of this recorded, he was memorizing everything word for word to write down later in his journal. He hadn't been sure he would do that, but he felt very strongly that if anything happened to him, he wanted his thoughts, his feelings, and these exact words to be put down in his own handwriting. The ceremony wouldn't be a very long one; he and Cris had decided against pages and pages of it in favor of a far shorter, more intimate ceremony and a larger reception.
When Alfarinn asked if they were there of their own free will he squeezed Cris's hand again. "Oh yes," he said.
Rowan's will had never been freer, and at the same time, more bound. He belonged with Cris; at the same time, he knew down to his very tiniest molecule that Cris belonged with him. Whatever had happened in either of their pasts, whatever had caused Rowan to forget where he was, or Cris to eschew personal relationships, those experiences (and many more) had brought them here to this point for a reason. Rowan knew with certainty that he belonged in this moment, and there was great joy in knowing Cris belonged here too.
That said, he found himself slipping into a familiar state when Alfarinn began to speak. Rowan's first profession had been as a scribe. In an era where few people were literate, Rowan had discovered early on that he was and he and Henri had capitalized on those skills. Able to read and write multiple languages Rowan had made a good living writing for people and, occasionally, teaching them. More commonly though he had taken dictation and put peoples' thoughts into words for them. It wasn't uncommon for him to have to listen to someone speak and then put the words on paper after.
And so he found that, despite the fact that they had all of this recorded, he was memorizing everything word for word to write down later in his journal. He hadn't been sure he would do that, but he felt very strongly that if anything happened to him, he wanted his thoughts, his feelings, and these exact words to be put down in his own handwriting. The ceremony wouldn't be a very long one; he and Cris had decided against pages and pages of it in favor of a far shorter, more intimate ceremony and a larger reception.
When Alfarinn asked if they were there of their own free will he squeezed Cris's hand again. "Oh yes," he said.
Rowan's will had never been freer, and at the same time, more bound. He belonged with Cris; at the same time, he knew down to his very tiniest molecule that Cris belonged with him. Whatever had happened in either of their pasts, whatever had caused Rowan to forget where he was, or Cris to eschew personal relationships, those experiences (and many more) had brought them here to this point for a reason. Rowan knew with certainty that he belonged in this moment, and there was great joy in knowing Cris belonged here too.
Alfarinn
11 years ago
They both agreed that they were here of their own free will. It was something that Evenhet had considered important long before even the human world had decided that arranged marriages were not healthy. Those were even still done in some countries but vampires lived a long time and being coerced into marrying someone was not something that should happen for ten years much less several hundred.
"Is anyone present who can show just cause by our laws why this couple may not be joined together? If so declare it now or hereafter hold your peace.â€
Alfarinn looked from Rowan to Cris and then out at the crowd. No jilted lovers, love sick familiars or anyone else came forward to claim a right to either man.
"Either of you have anything to declare on that matter?†He looked from one to the other. "No? Okay, let's move on then; I hear there is mead downstairs.â€
He smiled briefly and then resumed his solemn expression for this very momentous but joyous occasion.
"Christian do you take Rowan to be your husband? Will you love, honour and cherish him, in good times and bad, and do you promise to stay loyal to him for the rest of your immortal life?â€
"Is anyone present who can show just cause by our laws why this couple may not be joined together? If so declare it now or hereafter hold your peace.â€
Alfarinn looked from Rowan to Cris and then out at the crowd. No jilted lovers, love sick familiars or anyone else came forward to claim a right to either man.
"Either of you have anything to declare on that matter?†He looked from one to the other. "No? Okay, let's move on then; I hear there is mead downstairs.â€
He smiled briefly and then resumed his solemn expression for this very momentous but joyous occasion.
"Christian do you take Rowan to be your husband? Will you love, honour and cherish him, in good times and bad, and do you promise to stay loyal to him for the rest of your immortal life?â€
Christian Bern
11 years ago
They were really doing this. After so many centuries he was getting married. Cris held tightly to the hand that was entwined with his own. He tried his best to look at Alfarinn and concentrate on his friend's solemn expression. If he looked at Rowan then the reality of the situation would hit him like a ton of bricks and his solemn outward exterior was likely to crumble and reveal his extreme emotional state.
Alfarinn asked if there was anyone who could declare that they had no right to be married by Evenhet's laws. There was not, unless Rowan was hiding away someone that he hadn't mentioned. He seriously doubted that there would be a soap opera moment here that included a heavily pregnant woman in a bridal gown claiming that Rowan was her baby daddy. At the rehearsal, that kind of thing had been another matter. Plenty of pranks had been played. It would not have been surprising to see some woman rush in and interrupt the proceedings or for it to even be Alfarinn or Eiryk or someone dressed up for the occasion but Cris was very confident in his knowledge of the man he was marrying. They had no purposeful secrets from each other.
He was then asked if he would take Rowan to be his husband and to love and cherish him for the rest of his immortal life.
Now he couldn't help but turn around and look at his partner. "Yes, for the rest of my days.†Cris blinked back the moisture from his eyes and gave the hand in his another squeeze. Thinking the absurd thought that it was good they would both heal any bruises before the honeymoon started.
Alfarinn asked if there was anyone who could declare that they had no right to be married by Evenhet's laws. There was not, unless Rowan was hiding away someone that he hadn't mentioned. He seriously doubted that there would be a soap opera moment here that included a heavily pregnant woman in a bridal gown claiming that Rowan was her baby daddy. At the rehearsal, that kind of thing had been another matter. Plenty of pranks had been played. It would not have been surprising to see some woman rush in and interrupt the proceedings or for it to even be Alfarinn or Eiryk or someone dressed up for the occasion but Cris was very confident in his knowledge of the man he was marrying. They had no purposeful secrets from each other.
He was then asked if he would take Rowan to be his husband and to love and cherish him for the rest of his immortal life.
Now he couldn't help but turn around and look at his partner. "Yes, for the rest of my days.†Cris blinked back the moisture from his eyes and gave the hand in his another squeeze. Thinking the absurd thought that it was good they would both heal any bruises before the honeymoon started.
Alfarinn
11 years ago
Cris gave the appropriate and expected response. Alfarinn smiled at them both and then turned his attention to Rowan.
"Rowan do you take Christian to be your husband? Will you love, honour and cherish him, in good times and bad, and do you promise to stay loyal to him for the rest of your immortal life?â€
"Rowan do you take Christian to be your husband? Will you love, honour and cherish him, in good times and bad, and do you promise to stay loyal to him for the rest of your immortal life?â€
Rowan Murphy
11 years ago
Rowan loved the feel of Cris's hand tight in his. The words Alfarinn spoke touched him deeply, and the press of Cris's hand told him his partner felt them just the same. When they turned toward each other Rowan saw the wetness in Cris's eyes, and while he might have been able to keep it together without that, the sight of his love undid him; even worse when he could see how emotional Cris was.
Rowan made no attempt to hold back the tears of happiness as he made the easiest promise he'd ever made in his life. He had gone without eye makeup for specifically this reason, a choice he was glad for now as a little tear trailed down each cheek in spite of his wide smile.
His voice cracked the minute he tried to give his answer and he laughed a little, nodded his head, cleared his throat, and finally found his voice again, ignoring a chuckle from Henri. He held Cris's hands and kept looking into those gorgeous blue eyes. "Yes," he said. "Forever."
There was a little sniffle behind Cris and Rowan glanced up to see Aishe surreptitiously wipe a tear from her cheek. She winked at him over Cris's shoulder.
Rowan made no attempt to hold back the tears of happiness as he made the easiest promise he'd ever made in his life. He had gone without eye makeup for specifically this reason, a choice he was glad for now as a little tear trailed down each cheek in spite of his wide smile.
His voice cracked the minute he tried to give his answer and he laughed a little, nodded his head, cleared his throat, and finally found his voice again, ignoring a chuckle from Henri. He held Cris's hands and kept looking into those gorgeous blue eyes. "Yes," he said. "Forever."
There was a little sniffle behind Cris and Rowan glanced up to see Aishe surreptitiously wipe a tear from her cheek. She winked at him over Cris's shoulder.
Alfarinn
11 years ago
"The ring is a symbol of the unity of your joined lives. Its unbroken circle is a reminder that wherever you go there is always someone to return to. Christian present your ring to Rowan. A symbol of your love and devotion and a reminder of your vows to him.â€
Alfarinn waited until Cris pulled out the wedding ring from his pocket and slipped it onto Rowan's finger.
Alfarinn waited until Cris pulled out the wedding ring from his pocket and slipped it onto Rowan's finger.
Christian Bern
11 years ago
[If you start then I am going to start.] Cris warned Rowan silently. He didn't expect it to change anything and he wouldn't want to stop his partner from expressing himself but seeing Rowan's emotions were something he couldn't ignore, not that he ever wanted to.
Listening to the crack in Rowan's voice was the last of his ability to resist his own tears. Cris squeezed his lover's hand again, promising comfort and understanding.
Alfarinn continued with the ceremony and asked for the rings. They had picked titanium bands that were the same in design but not quite the same in colour. Rowan's was darker and his own was a silver. Both bands had a cable running through them adding a little something different to the traditional metal ring. He loved the unique look, strength of the metal and simple elegance. Most of all Cris loved that it was Rowan who was going to put his on his finger.
He pulled Rowan's out of his pocket and carefully placed it on his lover's finger. His own fingers lingered lovingly on his partner's hand. Slowly Cris slid them away from Rowan, lightly brushing the finger it was nestled upon.
Listening to the crack in Rowan's voice was the last of his ability to resist his own tears. Cris squeezed his lover's hand again, promising comfort and understanding.
Alfarinn continued with the ceremony and asked for the rings. They had picked titanium bands that were the same in design but not quite the same in colour. Rowan's was darker and his own was a silver. Both bands had a cable running through them adding a little something different to the traditional metal ring. He loved the unique look, strength of the metal and simple elegance. Most of all Cris loved that it was Rowan who was going to put his on his finger.
He pulled Rowan's out of his pocket and carefully placed it on his lover's finger. His own fingers lingered lovingly on his partner's hand. Slowly Cris slid them away from Rowan, lightly brushing the finger it was nestled upon.
Alfarinn
11 years ago
"Rowan present the ring to Christian. A symbol of your love and devotion and a reminder of your vows to him.â€
Again he waited until Rowan placed the ring on Cris's finger before moving forward with the ceremony.
Again he waited until Rowan placed the ring on Cris's finger before moving forward with the ceremony.
Rowan Murphy
11 years ago
[Too late, a ghra,] Rowan replied with another smile to Cris. He grinned through his slightly watery vision at his partner. Cris hadn't lied; the little drops in his eyes slid free too. Rowan sighed internally. He had, obviously, never stood in this position before. Nor had Cris. Rowan wasn't sure how his partner felt, but he was quickly coming to decide that weddings were torture. Wonderful torture. All he wanted to do was gather Cris close, kiss the hell out of him, and tell him how very much he loved him but they had to wait for that part.
Cris settled his ring onto his finger and Rowan smiled at his touch. The cool band quickly warmed to Rowan's skin, and it didn't feel heavy at all, or constricting. Rowan remembered Henri's insistence that when Rowan fell he would fall hard. His Creator was a perceptive man. Rowan would follow Cris anywhere without hesitation, it didn't matter. His only regret was that it had taken him so long to get to Cris. Now that he'd found him, he was never going to leave.
When it was his turn he took Cris's left hand in his, raised it, and used his right hand to slide the ring onto Cris's slender finger. Then he dipped his head down and softly kissed it, his breath warm on Cris's hand. He looked back up into Cris's face and smiled. Forever had never been quite so appealing.
Cris settled his ring onto his finger and Rowan smiled at his touch. The cool band quickly warmed to Rowan's skin, and it didn't feel heavy at all, or constricting. Rowan remembered Henri's insistence that when Rowan fell he would fall hard. His Creator was a perceptive man. Rowan would follow Cris anywhere without hesitation, it didn't matter. His only regret was that it had taken him so long to get to Cris. Now that he'd found him, he was never going to leave.
When it was his turn he took Cris's left hand in his, raised it, and used his right hand to slide the ring onto Cris's slender finger. Then he dipped his head down and softly kissed it, his breath warm on Cris's hand. He looked back up into Cris's face and smiled. Forever had never been quite so appealing.
Alfarinn
11 years ago
"Christian and Rowan, May your home be a haven of peace and your relationship be one of truth and understanding. May you enjoy your united immortal lives, the realization of hopes and dreams, and peace of mind and contentment, as you, night by night, live and fulfill this covenant you have made with one another.
And now, for as much as you have made your vows, each to the other, and have declared the same by giving and receiving your rings. I pronounce you both husband to each other.â€
He smiled at them and extended his hands outward to encompass the both in the gesture. "Cris, this time you may kiss your husband.†Alfarinn gave Rowan a grin and then looked out at the small crowd of witnesses. Once the last piece of the ceremony was done. He gestured to Aishe and Henri so that they could start the procession toward the reception.
And now, for as much as you have made your vows, each to the other, and have declared the same by giving and receiving your rings. I pronounce you both husband to each other.â€
He smiled at them and extended his hands outward to encompass the both in the gesture. "Cris, this time you may kiss your husband.†Alfarinn gave Rowan a grin and then looked out at the small crowd of witnesses. Once the last piece of the ceremony was done. He gestured to Aishe and Henri so that they could start the procession toward the reception.
Christian Bern
11 years ago
Cris smiled at the small kiss that Rowan slipped in while placing the ring on his finger. The touch of his lover's lips seemed to linger longer than the otherness of wearing a ring. He was sure that he would fidget it with it for the next few days until he was used to it being there but Cris welcomed that reminder of their wedding and of Rowan.
Not that he needed anything other than his redhead to remind him of his redhead. Rowan was always only a thought away and Cris touched his partner's mind all the time. It had become second nature at some point to keep up a mental conversation with Rowan about the things they were doing, thoughts they had, funny situations and stories, strange emails and everything else. They never needed to ask one another how their day went when they got home because they had shared the day with each other while doing two completely different tasks.
He wondered idly whether his security people had noticed that Rowan knew quite a lot about them or if Becky and the other nurses had ever caught on to his knowledge of their daily lives. The thought passed quickly as Alfarinn concluded the ceremony and suggested that this time he do the kissing.
Looking up at Rowan, Cris smiled and took his time. This kiss was their first official married couple kiss and he wanted his partner to always remember it as well as everyone else. The talk of their kiss outside Barney's had become legendary, mainly he suspected because people still didn't believe he had a life outside work, but he was determined to lay any doubts to rest right here and now. He loved this man with all his heart and he wanted the whole world to know it.
One hand slid up to gently cup Rowan's jaw and then moved around behind his lover's neck as he pulled Rowan close. His other arm was wrapped tightly around his partner's waist, holding him as close as he could manage. With his kiss that started strong and urgent and then finished with a soft tender exploration of his husband's lips, Cris wanted to convey his every emotion and how he was full to bursting with it all.
[I suppose we should stop] He sent softly after a second only slightly less passionate kiss. [ before they have to call security.] Cris was pretty sure there were plenty of earpiece wearing staff members hovering on both sides of the bridge.
Pulling back, but not entirely away, he smiled at Rowan. "Shall we go make an appearance at this party?†[Maybe we can sneak out early...] They would have plenty of time to themselves shortly but no matter how much time he had alone with Rowan Cris always wanted more. He hoped that never changed and since it didn't seem likely to any time soon then he would continue to be greedy whenever possible.
Not that he needed anything other than his redhead to remind him of his redhead. Rowan was always only a thought away and Cris touched his partner's mind all the time. It had become second nature at some point to keep up a mental conversation with Rowan about the things they were doing, thoughts they had, funny situations and stories, strange emails and everything else. They never needed to ask one another how their day went when they got home because they had shared the day with each other while doing two completely different tasks.
He wondered idly whether his security people had noticed that Rowan knew quite a lot about them or if Becky and the other nurses had ever caught on to his knowledge of their daily lives. The thought passed quickly as Alfarinn concluded the ceremony and suggested that this time he do the kissing.
Looking up at Rowan, Cris smiled and took his time. This kiss was their first official married couple kiss and he wanted his partner to always remember it as well as everyone else. The talk of their kiss outside Barney's had become legendary, mainly he suspected because people still didn't believe he had a life outside work, but he was determined to lay any doubts to rest right here and now. He loved this man with all his heart and he wanted the whole world to know it.
One hand slid up to gently cup Rowan's jaw and then moved around behind his lover's neck as he pulled Rowan close. His other arm was wrapped tightly around his partner's waist, holding him as close as he could manage. With his kiss that started strong and urgent and then finished with a soft tender exploration of his husband's lips, Cris wanted to convey his every emotion and how he was full to bursting with it all.
[I suppose we should stop] He sent softly after a second only slightly less passionate kiss. [ before they have to call security.] Cris was pretty sure there were plenty of earpiece wearing staff members hovering on both sides of the bridge.
Pulling back, but not entirely away, he smiled at Rowan. "Shall we go make an appearance at this party?†[Maybe we can sneak out early...] They would have plenty of time to themselves shortly but no matter how much time he had alone with Rowan Cris always wanted more. He hoped that never changed and since it didn't seem likely to any time soon then he would continue to be greedy whenever possible.
Rowan Murphy
11 years ago
Rowan felt a shiver when Alfarinn said those words, which had never felt magical when he'd heard them aimed at anyone else, but felt plenty miraculous now. He beamed at Alfarinn - briefly - before he turned back to his husband (his husband!) to enjoy their first kiss as a married couple.
He leaned slightly into Cris's hand when it caressed his face, and then his partner was pulling him down, embracing him even as Rowan reached for him in return, and capturing his mouth in what had to be the most emotional kiss he'd ever received. He felt everything in that kiss - love, passion, acceptance, desire, friendship. When Cris paused then came back for a second kiss Rowan made a soft sound of pleasure.
His own husband suggested they stop and Rowan disagreed. [No. Not yet. Just one more.]
Rowan took it, too, leaning down to steal it before Cris could pull away. As Cris leaned back, though, Rowan smiled at him. He nodded, finally, willing to stop kissing Cris long enough to get to their own reception. He lifted his hands to Cris's face and used his thumbs to gently wipe away the faint trails of tears that were left. Then, even as their own wedding party was preceding them out, he bent to kiss Cris one more time. [I'm sure we can manage an escape. I'm a pirate, damn it. I do escapes.]
They kissed again. And possibly once more. Until a very pointed cleared throat brought him to his senses. "Okay. Let's go."
Rowan kept his hand entwined with Cris's the entire way to the reception, which, fortunately, wasn't very far. Of course, he wasn't planning on letting go any time soon. Or, maybe, ever.
((ooc: All out))
He leaned slightly into Cris's hand when it caressed his face, and then his partner was pulling him down, embracing him even as Rowan reached for him in return, and capturing his mouth in what had to be the most emotional kiss he'd ever received. He felt everything in that kiss - love, passion, acceptance, desire, friendship. When Cris paused then came back for a second kiss Rowan made a soft sound of pleasure.
His own husband suggested they stop and Rowan disagreed. [No. Not yet. Just one more.]
Rowan took it, too, leaning down to steal it before Cris could pull away. As Cris leaned back, though, Rowan smiled at him. He nodded, finally, willing to stop kissing Cris long enough to get to their own reception. He lifted his hands to Cris's face and used his thumbs to gently wipe away the faint trails of tears that were left. Then, even as their own wedding party was preceding them out, he bent to kiss Cris one more time. [I'm sure we can manage an escape. I'm a pirate, damn it. I do escapes.]
They kissed again. And possibly once more. Until a very pointed cleared throat brought him to his senses. "Okay. Let's go."
Rowan kept his hand entwined with Cris's the entire way to the reception, which, fortunately, wasn't very far. Of course, he wasn't planning on letting go any time soon. Or, maybe, ever.
((ooc: All out))