Elendor
A Dwarven Wedding
Dwarves get married?! Whoa.
Sort Date: no date set
Location: Erebor
Description: Low conversation can be heard murmuring from the dwarfs gathered here, not enough to drown out the singing resonance from the sacred anvil. It is raining outside, and the courtyard of the Sacred Forge is the only place in the Mountain where this could touch the dwarves, so many find their finery wet on the hems and spotted here.
A blue-bearded priest, dressed simply, awaits behind the Anvil, beside the Forge. He studies the basin which catches the water.
The Iron Door opens. Balur enters, followed by his family, Thari dressed in peacock blue sewn over with thread-of-gold and diamonds. Gold and diamonds are braided up in her hair as well, though she looks a touch damp like everyone else.
[Braldor(#30149)] Everyone, including the bride, may be a bit damp... but not Braldor! The Thane has had two young dwarves carry a piece of fabric over him, and thus not a single drop of rain has touched his inmaculate blue shirt, or his leather pants. Only his boots seem to have been in contact with water, but that can't be avoided... only fat Bombur would accomplish this, as he is wont to be carried around, due to his huge girth. Entering after Balur and his family, Braldor seeks a seat near the middle of the Sacred Forge... on the side where all Bundazanuls sit, of course.
Ranol stands near the door after entering with his uncle's family, chatting with some people that he knows, smiling cheerfully. He's decked out in finery today, with an elegant new outfit of brown and black. He's wearing a pair of jeweled, silver armbands that were a gift from Ovor, and has his short black hair combed and slicked back. His thick beard is combed out smooth and neatly trimmed. The huskarl could actually pass for respectful.
His sister went all out, finding a lavish new dress to wear and spending probably as much time as the bride in doing her hair and beard for the occassion. She's not as resplendant as Thari, but the young niece of Balur has dressed as elegantly as she dares to try and get away with and smiles at every young dwarven man she sees.
[Frarin(#31050)] Various members of Frarin's family are already assembled before the anvil, milling about as they wait for the ceremony to begin. Among them are the silversmith's better known brother and cousin, Grarin and Formin, as well as Grarin's family. But there is also a small group from Frarin's mother's side of the family, and some of his closer acquaintances, among which is Hal son of Halim, known perhaps to a few from the recent trading expedition.
Frarin himself is standing to the side of the gathering, hands clasped behind him as he makes idle, and perhaps slightly nervous, talk with Formin. He is attired simply, but richly also. A long-sleeved white shirt lies beneath a knee-length surcoat of dark blue, kept about his waist with a belt of silver plates. Simple black trousers and boots complete his appearance, save perhaps for the chain of silver that circles his neck and tucks beneath his beard, which remains as straggly as ever, even combed and tied with silver as it is.
Standing stiff and bobbing impatiently back and forth on the balls of his feet, he speaks to Formin but his eyes shift about the great chamber, and are stilled only when Thari and her family enter. Then he stops talking as a small smile creeps into his beard. The others quiet as well.
Among the Barazins a red bearded maiden sits, back straight, chin lifted, her green eyes bright with the eagerness of one not accustomed to weddings (especially one of this importance). Hildis sits next to an older woman whose dignity and beauty make her striking. The likeness between the two of them is marked. On the other side of her mother, Hilvar sits, his nose only slightly red from early wedding celebrations. They two older dwarves wear the House red and black, Hilvar resplendent in a heavy gold link chain about his neck, his wife's tiara of filgree twined through her dark hair.
Hildis is attired in a splendor of Barazin red slashed with panels of black, the floor length gown belted high, the neckline cut low, long puffed sleeves also slashed in black cover the back of her beringed fingers. Obsidian and diamonds net her hair and are threaded through her intricately braided beard.
Braldor won't be sitting for long before his huskarl's younger sister wanders his way. The girl can dream, right? Panor has black hair and blue eyes much like her brother, but she takes after her mother in features. She offers the thane a dashing smile and collects the edges of her muted blue skirts to dip an elegant curtsey. "Good day, Lord Braldor." She says sweetly.
Ranol catches sight of his sister and begins moving her way to intervene if she gets any crazy ideas, but he notices Hildis and slows to a stop. The huskarl silently observes her with her family for a moment, admiring the dwarf that has captured his interest so fully these past weeks.
Eirdis enters a few moments before the bride, hurriedly finding a seat for herself among a few Mazarbuls and making pleasant conversation. She is dressed in green, her favourite colour, and the gown she wears is elaborate, at least for the healer, who enjoys simplicity. The hems and lines of her dress are threaded with gold and dotted with emeralds and peridot. Her beard is newly washed, combed and braided intricately for the occassion with sparkling peridot and emeralds, and her hair is tied up in a bun of braids, a large emerald-studded pin holding the mass of firey red hair in place. She still wears her brown and green leather belt, but it now has a gold and emerald clasp, and is cinched just below her sternum. She gives a quick nod and smile to those she knows, including Frarin, Ranol, Hildis, Gunnarr, and others. She gives a quick bow to Braldor and watches Ranol watching Hildis, with a carefully masked expression of sadness and pain on her face.
Balur turns behind and holds his arm out to his daughter. Thari takes her father's arm, her smile true though perhaps a touch brittle with nerves, and her grey eyes rove the crowd, searching. Her mother comes to her other side and together her parents escort her to the front.
Thari catches sight of Frarin and her smile spreads to a true grin. She watches him.
Nalur and Olur hesitate for a moment near Ranol, Olur in particular watching Panor go to the Thane, but after that moment the two brothers follow their sister toward the Anvil.
One look from the Bundazanul Huskarl creates a ripple among at least part of the Barazin clan. Astrior, Hildis's mother smiles to herself. The maiden's eyes are bright enough to vie with the jewels in her hair. Ranol wins a bushy browed scowl from Hilvar. But then all eyes turn to Thari as she enters on her father's arm.
[Braldor(#30149)] "Good morn, daughter of Ranor", Braldor says courteously, standing and bowing in turn to the dwarven lass. "I hope the day finds ye well... such a joyous occasion", he adds with a grin. And after this Thari enters, and the Thane turns to watch her and Balur go towards Frarin, and the priest who shall see this pair happily wedded.
[Frarin(#31050)] Certainly it cannot be denied that there is an ever-so-slight darkening of Frarin's face at the entrance of Thane Braldor, but it is not as if it was entirely unexpected. And indeed, the manner in which his expression gains a subdued brightness as he looks again to Thari fairly masks any other emotions. Formin turns as Frarin stops speaking and a broad grin lights his features as he sees Thari and her family. A dwarf with a long black beard, whom Thari has likely not met yet, moves to say something to Frarin.
But then Thari and her family are moving towards the anvil and those still standing scramble to find their seats again. Formin, for his part, shoos Frarin towards his proper spot beside the anvil where the priest stands. Formin and Grarin take their posts to his side, as do the black-bearded dwarf and another with a beard of blue at the end of the line-up.
Frarin, however, lets Formin do the family bossing around. For he has not looked away from Thari since her entrance. That small smile, more in his cheeks and eyes than anything, grows.
Panor nods quickly, beaming with a smile. "Oh yes, Lord Braldor! I am so happy for Thari and Frarin! It's terribly romantic!" She's not quite ninety and hopelessly obssessed with the desire to get married herself. The wedding has only fueled Panor's ambition. She turns to look towards her cousin and uncle, then says in an innocent voice, "Oh! Things are going to start soon, and I didn't find a seat. Would you mind horribly if I say here with you?" Are those thick black eyelashes fluttering at the thane? Why yes, yes they are.
Ranol pulls himself from his personal reverie and after a glance and a sigh towards his sister, he decides to let her handle herself and moves to join Olur and Nalur. He noticed the scowl from Hilvar but makes no show of reaction to it. He's far more interested in watching his cousin get married.
Eirdis grins a bit as she watches Thari and Frarin, wondering if it will ever be her turn up there at the sacred anvil, in the sacred forge, commiting herself in matrimony to a man, and he to her. She straightens her skirts absently, without anyone to really talk to whom she knows, since they're all rather busy. She doesn't mind just watching, though.
Thari glances away from Frarin every now and then, almost as if she were shy, and briefly her eyes rest on Braldor's face before blinking away.
And then she is at the Anvil, hand tightening on her father's arm, her mother's hand. She takes a deep breath, twinkling with all of her diamonds, and looks up at Frarin's face. The smile returns and her eyes seem to outshine the diamonds she wears.
Two drips of water fall into the basin, ringing metallically out, and then the blue-bearded priest speaks. " Come," he says in the sacred tongue, loud enough to reach all ears, his baritone voice rough and gravelly as if he is not much used to speaking. " Hear and witness the oaths that Frarin son of Forli will make to Thari daughter of Balur, and witness her oaths to him!"
The tranquil peace of the temple carries an undercurrent of joy. The water splashing on the anvil rings with a pure note of silver. Hildis watches transfixed by Thari's happiness and the pleasure in Frarin's face. She smiles when her mother takes her hand and squeezes it, sitting straighter as the priest intones the solemn words convoking a sacred union.
[Braldor(#30149)] "Surely, panor... there is enough space", Braldor replies, as he sits again. Indeed, there is plenty of space next to him for Panor to sit. Is this just common courtesy, or a respose to the dwarf-maids fluttery eyelashes? That will be something to know later, for the priest calls for everyone's attention. Braldor grows silent, his eyes fixed on Frarin and Thari.
[Frarin(#31050)] Frarin makes a sound at the back of his throat as the priest calls for order amongst the assembled. He bobs once more back on the balls of his feet, but then is still, hands still resolutely clasped behind his back as if they might be out of place anywhere else. His lips press together as he suppresses a smile, looking down at Thari when she is likewise beside the altar, but still his cheeks and eyes beam, even if the usually stoic, grim silversmith strives to remain respectful otherwise. His eyes flick to the priest, waiting for the word for him to give his oath.
Panor gives the thane an endeering smile as she settles down to sit beside him, grinning widely. Her eyes go to the ceremony now and she watches with polite interest, though her mind is on anything but what the priest is saying.
Ranol is watching with a smile, relaxed and in an all around good mood, his attention focused on the union.
Eirdis simply sits and watches contentedly, glancing subtly to Ranol now and again, but mainly just enjoying the ceremony.
Once Hildis glances at Ranol's profile. She squeezes her mother's hand back, a smile bright in her eyes for the soon to be wed couple and the dwarf who has become so important to her in the past months.
The crowd stills, and again the metal sound of the basin is allowed to sing in the silence. Puffs of white steam float through the air as the dwarves breathe.
Thari is smiling still, unlike Frarin, just watching his face, her hand relaxed again on her father's arm. Olur and Nalur stand behind but near Ranol, as if he were one of the bride's brothers as well.
The priest nods as if the correct moment has finally come. " The forge is ready," he tells Frarin. " Make your oaths now."
[<#31050>] At the priest's instruction to Frarin, the silversmith straightens and brings his hands to his side. His lips press together once more, but then he speaks, his rumbling voice only just loud enough to carry to the back of the assembly, and only then by the echoing of the massive chamber. " On this eighteenth day of March in the year 3045, I, Frarin, son of Forli and Therus of Barazin, do take as my partner in marriage Thari, daughter of Balur. To her I pledge my love, my loyalty, and my life. In all things shall she be my right-hand, my best friend, and my closest council, for now and forever, come hardship or prosperity. To this do I hereby swear before friends and family, else shall death take me swiftly."
For a second, he falls silent, but he is not quite finished, for then suddenly a true smile creeps into his beard and he speaks to Thari alone, without mind for whether anyone else may hear or not, though surely they must. " Thari, I give you my everything."
[Braldor(#30149)] Braldor sits quiet, his eyes on the couple that's getting married. His dark eyes seem to be, for once, happy, and he doesn't show the usual stress of his position. relaxed, the thane watches as Frarin speaks first.
Panor is still grinning foolishly, thrilled by everything and practically bouncing in her seat next to the thane as she hears the vow that Frarin makes. Ranol is far more calm than his sister, but the soft smile on his face shows his happiness in it's own way.
Thari gains a flush as Frarin speaks, her rosy cheeks turning darker. She releases the arms of her parents and clasps her hands together before her, her eyes resting in his.
" I, Thari, daughter of Balur and Nari of Bundazanul, take Frarin Forli's son for my husband. I will honor him and care for him above all others. To him I give my love and the days of my life. I will.." Thari's voice falters a moment, falls quieter, speaking now directly to the dwarf before her. " I will listen to you and stand beside you whatever may befall us, Frarin, and cast my fortune with you, come what may."
Thari takes another breath and her voice gains volume. " I swear this before family and friends, and will hold to these oaths as long as I live."
Hildis's mother makes a convulsive noise and swallows hard, she glances at Hildis from the corner of her tear bright eyes and nods slightly. A glower comes off of Hilvar like heat from an anvil as do the fumes of his early celebrations. Mother and daughter stay hand in hand, Hildi's chin held stiffly high fighting the tears that silently course the outlines of her mother's cheeks.
Nari's hand flutters up toward her mouth as the vows are spoken, bearing a handkerchief. Balur seems to somehow relax a touch as Frarin speaks, even allowing himself a touch of a smile.
The priest's rough voice comes after Thari's. " From these two a new alloy has been forged: they are wed. Not even Mahal's hand would break what has been made today. It is done." The simple priest's eyes drop, and then he bows to the couple across the Anvil.
[Frarin(#31050)] With the priest's confirmation of the marriage, the first dwarf to move in Formin, of all people. Looking entirely too smug, he glances sidelong at Grarin and elbows him in the side with a smirking little smile. It takes Frarin slightly longer to react. Now not even trying to stifle the smile that blossoms under his beard, the silversmith takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly, then takes a step towards Thari, coming before Thari and thus leaving behind his own immediate family. He holds out a hand for her to join him.
Panor simply can't wait any longer. She begins clapping in excitement when Frarin takes Thari's hand, exuberant in her show of congratulations to them. If Braldor or the others around her do not begin showing their approval she'll begin giving them little glares.
Thari steps toward Frarin and takes his hand, grinning widely and blushing. She turns her face toward the old silversmith's shoulder for a brief moment, then looks up at him again.
Balur reaches for Nari's hand. "Oh, it was all so lovely!" Nari sniffs, the first to speak. "You were just handsome, both of you!" Balur simply bows toward the pair.
[Braldor(#30149)] Braldor glances at Panor, a half-grin on his face, trying to conceal his features from the young lass. Clearly, she's taken with all this marriage hubbub... not unusual for a dwarf-maid that young. Turning again to the now married couple, which is holding hands, the Thane also starts to applaud, yet his applause is not as energetic and excited as Panor's. "Well, at last that old barazin tied the knot, eh?", he says to panor, and then laughs.
[Frarin(#31050)] Frarin gives Thari's hand a squeeze, beaming down at her when she meets his eyes. He brings his lips to hers and is chuckling when they part, taking both of Thari's hands now and encasing them in his own. "Well, what do you think of that then, dear Thari? Who might have thought the day should finally come!" Formin is already coming forward, clapping Frarin on the back and grinning at Thari. "Well done, my dear, well done! You are most welcome to our family, aye!" Grarin too and the two dwarves beside him are applauding heartily, each of them calling words of encouragement and congratulations to the married couple. The rest of Frarin's family and other associates also rise and join the clapping.
Panor laughs and nods quickly. "Oh, Frarin is just wonderful. I don't care that he's older because he makes Thari so happy!" There's a heavy emphasis on her not caring about the older part as she speaks to the thane over the applause. "It's so great that you came, Lord Braldor! My uncle is pleased, I'm sure."
Ranol claps Olur on the shoulder, leaning in to whisper to him about only needing to get rid of one more sibling in a joking manner.
[Braldor(#30149)] Braldor laughs, yet he doesn't elaborate anymore, content for now to clap and celebrate the joining of Frarin and Thari.
Thari returns Frarin's kiss, her hands both holding tightly to his. "I scarcely know what to say!" she tells him. "That was just, just.." She glances toward her mother briefly and laughs as she looks up to Frarin. "Just lovely!" and "Thank you!" she says to Formin, grinning quite wide.
Olur grins at Ranol while clapping. "I think for a good enough price someone will take that one, too!"
Nalur laughs and goes up to Frarin and Thari. "Congratulations to the both of you! And well done on your persistance!" He bows especially to Frarin.
Balur cups his hands round his mouth and calls, "We were to have food and drinks in the courtyard but the weather has changed those plans! Everyone is invited to my home to celebrate!" And surely Balur's home will hold them all.
Hilvar does not have the good grace to be happy for the couple. He mutters, "That old dwarf with a beauty like that. What does he think he is doing marrying out of the clan?"
Neither his wife or daughter deign to answer. Both rise on the same accord, their finery rustling as they make their way to the front of the temple to add their congratulations to the couple.
They both wait in line with smiles for Balur's invitation.
[Frarin(#31050)] "All true, dear dear Thari," Frarin says, then releases one of his hands from Thari so that he may return Nalur's bow, and then he is turning to repeat the low bow to Balur and Nari. To Balur, he also holds out his hand. "I thank you, Master Balur, and Lady Nari. My gratitude is entirely yours." Others come forward as well to shake Frarin's hand and give low bows to Thari. Congratulations continue to fill the air until Frarin holds up his hand to wave everyone towards the door. "Come now, then! Let's not mill about all day!"
Ranol laughs at Olur's response, nodding in agreement. He steps forward now, before the rest of the guests can crowd the bride and groom. He speaks to Thari and Frarin both, smiling. "It has been a long road for you both, but I am genuinely glad to see you joined at last. I wish you the best." His words are soft and simple, but heartfelt. Then he'll move to head for the door and clear out of the way.
Balur clasps Frarin's hand. "I am certain you will treat her well," he says to his new son-in-law.
Thari tucks her hand into Frarin's elbow. She smiles at her parents and gives a half-bow to Ranol. "I am so glad you were here," she tells her cousin, before she moves toward the door with her new husband.
[Frarin(#31050)] "Thank you, Ranol," Frarin says, his smile set off by the usual gruffness in his tone. "Thank you very much." And with that, he too moves with Thari towards the door, as the general stream of people make for the exit, the thought of food and drink too great a temptation to delay departure from the Sacred Forge for long.
[Frarin(#31050)] To Thari, Frarin grins suddenly, squeezing her hand and nodding, but saying nothing, as if his expression might speak enough on its own.
A blue-bearded priest, dressed simply, awaits behind the Anvil, beside the Forge. He studies the basin which catches the water.
The Iron Door opens. Balur enters, followed by his family, Thari dressed in peacock blue sewn over with thread-of-gold and diamonds. Gold and diamonds are braided up in her hair as well, though she looks a touch damp like everyone else.
[Braldor(#30149)] Everyone, including the bride, may be a bit damp... but not Braldor! The Thane has had two young dwarves carry a piece of fabric over him, and thus not a single drop of rain has touched his inmaculate blue shirt, or his leather pants. Only his boots seem to have been in contact with water, but that can't be avoided... only fat Bombur would accomplish this, as he is wont to be carried around, due to his huge girth. Entering after Balur and his family, Braldor seeks a seat near the middle of the Sacred Forge... on the side where all Bundazanuls sit, of course.
Ranol stands near the door after entering with his uncle's family, chatting with some people that he knows, smiling cheerfully. He's decked out in finery today, with an elegant new outfit of brown and black. He's wearing a pair of jeweled, silver armbands that were a gift from Ovor, and has his short black hair combed and slicked back. His thick beard is combed out smooth and neatly trimmed. The huskarl could actually pass for respectful.
His sister went all out, finding a lavish new dress to wear and spending probably as much time as the bride in doing her hair and beard for the occassion. She's not as resplendant as Thari, but the young niece of Balur has dressed as elegantly as she dares to try and get away with and smiles at every young dwarven man she sees.
[Frarin(#31050)] Various members of Frarin's family are already assembled before the anvil, milling about as they wait for the ceremony to begin. Among them are the silversmith's better known brother and cousin, Grarin and Formin, as well as Grarin's family. But there is also a small group from Frarin's mother's side of the family, and some of his closer acquaintances, among which is Hal son of Halim, known perhaps to a few from the recent trading expedition.
Frarin himself is standing to the side of the gathering, hands clasped behind him as he makes idle, and perhaps slightly nervous, talk with Formin. He is attired simply, but richly also. A long-sleeved white shirt lies beneath a knee-length surcoat of dark blue, kept about his waist with a belt of silver plates. Simple black trousers and boots complete his appearance, save perhaps for the chain of silver that circles his neck and tucks beneath his beard, which remains as straggly as ever, even combed and tied with silver as it is.
Standing stiff and bobbing impatiently back and forth on the balls of his feet, he speaks to Formin but his eyes shift about the great chamber, and are stilled only when Thari and her family enter. Then he stops talking as a small smile creeps into his beard. The others quiet as well.
Among the Barazins a red bearded maiden sits, back straight, chin lifted, her green eyes bright with the eagerness of one not accustomed to weddings (especially one of this importance). Hildis sits next to an older woman whose dignity and beauty make her striking. The likeness between the two of them is marked. On the other side of her mother, Hilvar sits, his nose only slightly red from early wedding celebrations. They two older dwarves wear the House red and black, Hilvar resplendent in a heavy gold link chain about his neck, his wife's tiara of filgree twined through her dark hair.
Hildis is attired in a splendor of Barazin red slashed with panels of black, the floor length gown belted high, the neckline cut low, long puffed sleeves also slashed in black cover the back of her beringed fingers. Obsidian and diamonds net her hair and are threaded through her intricately braided beard.
Braldor won't be sitting for long before his huskarl's younger sister wanders his way. The girl can dream, right? Panor has black hair and blue eyes much like her brother, but she takes after her mother in features. She offers the thane a dashing smile and collects the edges of her muted blue skirts to dip an elegant curtsey. "Good day, Lord Braldor." She says sweetly.
Ranol catches sight of his sister and begins moving her way to intervene if she gets any crazy ideas, but he notices Hildis and slows to a stop. The huskarl silently observes her with her family for a moment, admiring the dwarf that has captured his interest so fully these past weeks.
Eirdis enters a few moments before the bride, hurriedly finding a seat for herself among a few Mazarbuls and making pleasant conversation. She is dressed in green, her favourite colour, and the gown she wears is elaborate, at least for the healer, who enjoys simplicity. The hems and lines of her dress are threaded with gold and dotted with emeralds and peridot. Her beard is newly washed, combed and braided intricately for the occassion with sparkling peridot and emeralds, and her hair is tied up in a bun of braids, a large emerald-studded pin holding the mass of firey red hair in place. She still wears her brown and green leather belt, but it now has a gold and emerald clasp, and is cinched just below her sternum. She gives a quick nod and smile to those she knows, including Frarin, Ranol, Hildis, Gunnarr, and others. She gives a quick bow to Braldor and watches Ranol watching Hildis, with a carefully masked expression of sadness and pain on her face.
Balur turns behind and holds his arm out to his daughter. Thari takes her father's arm, her smile true though perhaps a touch brittle with nerves, and her grey eyes rove the crowd, searching. Her mother comes to her other side and together her parents escort her to the front.
Thari catches sight of Frarin and her smile spreads to a true grin. She watches him.
Nalur and Olur hesitate for a moment near Ranol, Olur in particular watching Panor go to the Thane, but after that moment the two brothers follow their sister toward the Anvil.
One look from the Bundazanul Huskarl creates a ripple among at least part of the Barazin clan. Astrior, Hildis's mother smiles to herself. The maiden's eyes are bright enough to vie with the jewels in her hair. Ranol wins a bushy browed scowl from Hilvar. But then all eyes turn to Thari as she enters on her father's arm.
[Braldor(#30149)] "Good morn, daughter of Ranor", Braldor says courteously, standing and bowing in turn to the dwarven lass. "I hope the day finds ye well... such a joyous occasion", he adds with a grin. And after this Thari enters, and the Thane turns to watch her and Balur go towards Frarin, and the priest who shall see this pair happily wedded.
[Frarin(#31050)] Certainly it cannot be denied that there is an ever-so-slight darkening of Frarin's face at the entrance of Thane Braldor, but it is not as if it was entirely unexpected. And indeed, the manner in which his expression gains a subdued brightness as he looks again to Thari fairly masks any other emotions. Formin turns as Frarin stops speaking and a broad grin lights his features as he sees Thari and her family. A dwarf with a long black beard, whom Thari has likely not met yet, moves to say something to Frarin.
But then Thari and her family are moving towards the anvil and those still standing scramble to find their seats again. Formin, for his part, shoos Frarin towards his proper spot beside the anvil where the priest stands. Formin and Grarin take their posts to his side, as do the black-bearded dwarf and another with a beard of blue at the end of the line-up.
Frarin, however, lets Formin do the family bossing around. For he has not looked away from Thari since her entrance. That small smile, more in his cheeks and eyes than anything, grows.
Panor nods quickly, beaming with a smile. "Oh yes, Lord Braldor! I am so happy for Thari and Frarin! It's terribly romantic!" She's not quite ninety and hopelessly obssessed with the desire to get married herself. The wedding has only fueled Panor's ambition. She turns to look towards her cousin and uncle, then says in an innocent voice, "Oh! Things are going to start soon, and I didn't find a seat. Would you mind horribly if I say here with you?" Are those thick black eyelashes fluttering at the thane? Why yes, yes they are.
Ranol pulls himself from his personal reverie and after a glance and a sigh towards his sister, he decides to let her handle herself and moves to join Olur and Nalur. He noticed the scowl from Hilvar but makes no show of reaction to it. He's far more interested in watching his cousin get married.
Eirdis grins a bit as she watches Thari and Frarin, wondering if it will ever be her turn up there at the sacred anvil, in the sacred forge, commiting herself in matrimony to a man, and he to her. She straightens her skirts absently, without anyone to really talk to whom she knows, since they're all rather busy. She doesn't mind just watching, though.
Thari glances away from Frarin every now and then, almost as if she were shy, and briefly her eyes rest on Braldor's face before blinking away.
And then she is at the Anvil, hand tightening on her father's arm, her mother's hand. She takes a deep breath, twinkling with all of her diamonds, and looks up at Frarin's face. The smile returns and her eyes seem to outshine the diamonds she wears.
Two drips of water fall into the basin, ringing metallically out, and then the blue-bearded priest speaks. "
The tranquil peace of the temple carries an undercurrent of joy. The water splashing on the anvil rings with a pure note of silver. Hildis watches transfixed by Thari's happiness and the pleasure in Frarin's face. She smiles when her mother takes her hand and squeezes it, sitting straighter as the priest intones the solemn words convoking a sacred union.
[Braldor(#30149)] "Surely, panor... there is enough space", Braldor replies, as he sits again. Indeed, there is plenty of space next to him for Panor to sit. Is this just common courtesy, or a respose to the dwarf-maids fluttery eyelashes? That will be something to know later, for the priest calls for everyone's attention. Braldor grows silent, his eyes fixed on Frarin and Thari.
[Frarin(#31050)] Frarin makes a sound at the back of his throat as the priest calls for order amongst the assembled. He bobs once more back on the balls of his feet, but then is still, hands still resolutely clasped behind his back as if they might be out of place anywhere else. His lips press together as he suppresses a smile, looking down at Thari when she is likewise beside the altar, but still his cheeks and eyes beam, even if the usually stoic, grim silversmith strives to remain respectful otherwise. His eyes flick to the priest, waiting for the word for him to give his oath.
Panor gives the thane an endeering smile as she settles down to sit beside him, grinning widely. Her eyes go to the ceremony now and she watches with polite interest, though her mind is on anything but what the priest is saying.
Ranol is watching with a smile, relaxed and in an all around good mood, his attention focused on the union.
Eirdis simply sits and watches contentedly, glancing subtly to Ranol now and again, but mainly just enjoying the ceremony.
Once Hildis glances at Ranol's profile. She squeezes her mother's hand back, a smile bright in her eyes for the soon to be wed couple and the dwarf who has become so important to her in the past months.
The crowd stills, and again the metal sound of the basin is allowed to sing in the silence. Puffs of white steam float through the air as the dwarves breathe.
Thari is smiling still, unlike Frarin, just watching his face, her hand relaxed again on her father's arm. Olur and Nalur stand behind but near Ranol, as if he were one of the bride's brothers as well.
The priest nods as if the correct moment has finally come. "
[<#31050>] At the priest's instruction to Frarin, the silversmith straightens and brings his hands to his side. His lips press together once more, but then he speaks, his rumbling voice only just loud enough to carry to the back of the assembly, and only then by the echoing of the massive chamber. "
For a second, he falls silent, but he is not quite finished, for then suddenly a true smile creeps into his beard and he speaks to Thari alone, without mind for whether anyone else may hear or not, though surely they must. "
[Braldor(#30149)] Braldor sits quiet, his eyes on the couple that's getting married. His dark eyes seem to be, for once, happy, and he doesn't show the usual stress of his position. relaxed, the thane watches as Frarin speaks first.
Panor is still grinning foolishly, thrilled by everything and practically bouncing in her seat next to the thane as she hears the vow that Frarin makes. Ranol is far more calm than his sister, but the soft smile on his face shows his happiness in it's own way.
Thari gains a flush as Frarin speaks, her rosy cheeks turning darker. She releases the arms of her parents and clasps her hands together before her, her eyes resting in his.
"
Thari takes another breath and her voice gains volume. "
Hildis's mother makes a convulsive noise and swallows hard, she glances at Hildis from the corner of her tear bright eyes and nods slightly. A glower comes off of Hilvar like heat from an anvil as do the fumes of his early celebrations. Mother and daughter stay hand in hand, Hildi's chin held stiffly high fighting the tears that silently course the outlines of her mother's cheeks.
Nari's hand flutters up toward her mouth as the vows are spoken, bearing a handkerchief. Balur seems to somehow relax a touch as Frarin speaks, even allowing himself a touch of a smile.
The priest's rough voice comes after Thari's. "
[Frarin(#31050)] With the priest's confirmation of the marriage, the first dwarf to move in Formin, of all people. Looking entirely too smug, he glances sidelong at Grarin and elbows him in the side with a smirking little smile. It takes Frarin slightly longer to react. Now not even trying to stifle the smile that blossoms under his beard, the silversmith takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly, then takes a step towards Thari, coming before Thari and thus leaving behind his own immediate family. He holds out a hand for her to join him.
Panor simply can't wait any longer. She begins clapping in excitement when Frarin takes Thari's hand, exuberant in her show of congratulations to them. If Braldor or the others around her do not begin showing their approval she'll begin giving them little glares.
Thari steps toward Frarin and takes his hand, grinning widely and blushing. She turns her face toward the old silversmith's shoulder for a brief moment, then looks up at him again.
Balur reaches for Nari's hand. "Oh, it was all so lovely!" Nari sniffs, the first to speak. "You were just handsome, both of you!" Balur simply bows toward the pair.
[Braldor(#30149)] Braldor glances at Panor, a half-grin on his face, trying to conceal his features from the young lass. Clearly, she's taken with all this marriage hubbub... not unusual for a dwarf-maid that young. Turning again to the now married couple, which is holding hands, the Thane also starts to applaud, yet his applause is not as energetic and excited as Panor's. "Well, at last that old barazin tied the knot, eh?", he says to panor, and then laughs.
[Frarin(#31050)] Frarin gives Thari's hand a squeeze, beaming down at her when she meets his eyes. He brings his lips to hers and is chuckling when they part, taking both of Thari's hands now and encasing them in his own. "Well, what do you think of that then, dear Thari? Who might have thought the day should finally come!" Formin is already coming forward, clapping Frarin on the back and grinning at Thari. "Well done, my dear, well done! You are most welcome to our family, aye!" Grarin too and the two dwarves beside him are applauding heartily, each of them calling words of encouragement and congratulations to the married couple. The rest of Frarin's family and other associates also rise and join the clapping.
Panor laughs and nods quickly. "Oh, Frarin is just wonderful. I don't care that he's older because he makes Thari so happy!" There's a heavy emphasis on her not caring about the older part as she speaks to the thane over the applause. "It's so great that you came, Lord Braldor! My uncle is pleased, I'm sure."
Ranol claps Olur on the shoulder, leaning in to whisper to him about only needing to get rid of one more sibling in a joking manner.
[Braldor(#30149)] Braldor laughs, yet he doesn't elaborate anymore, content for now to clap and celebrate the joining of Frarin and Thari.
Thari returns Frarin's kiss, her hands both holding tightly to his. "I scarcely know what to say!" she tells him. "That was just, just.." She glances toward her mother briefly and laughs as she looks up to Frarin. "Just lovely!" and "Thank you!" she says to Formin, grinning quite wide.
Olur grins at Ranol while clapping. "I think for a good enough price someone will take that one, too!"
Nalur laughs and goes up to Frarin and Thari. "Congratulations to the both of you! And well done on your persistance!" He bows especially to Frarin.
Balur cups his hands round his mouth and calls, "We were to have food and drinks in the courtyard but the weather has changed those plans! Everyone is invited to my home to celebrate!" And surely Balur's home will hold them all.
Hilvar does not have the good grace to be happy for the couple. He mutters, "That old dwarf with a beauty like that. What does he think he is doing marrying out of the clan?"
Neither his wife or daughter deign to answer. Both rise on the same accord, their finery rustling as they make their way to the front of the temple to add their congratulations to the couple.
They both wait in line with smiles for Balur's invitation.
[Frarin(#31050)] "All true, dear dear Thari," Frarin says, then releases one of his hands from Thari so that he may return Nalur's bow, and then he is turning to repeat the low bow to Balur and Nari. To Balur, he also holds out his hand. "I thank you, Master Balur, and Lady Nari. My gratitude is entirely yours." Others come forward as well to shake Frarin's hand and give low bows to Thari. Congratulations continue to fill the air until Frarin holds up his hand to wave everyone towards the door. "Come now, then! Let's not mill about all day!"
Ranol laughs at Olur's response, nodding in agreement. He steps forward now, before the rest of the guests can crowd the bride and groom. He speaks to Thari and Frarin both, smiling. "It has been a long road for you both, but I am genuinely glad to see you joined at last. I wish you the best." His words are soft and simple, but heartfelt. Then he'll move to head for the door and clear out of the way.
Balur clasps Frarin's hand. "I am certain you will treat her well," he says to his new son-in-law.
Thari tucks her hand into Frarin's elbow. She smiles at her parents and gives a half-bow to Ranol. "I am so glad you were here," she tells her cousin, before she moves toward the door with her new husband.
[Frarin(#31050)] "Thank you, Ranol," Frarin says, his smile set off by the usual gruffness in his tone. "Thank you very much." And with that, he too moves with Thari towards the door, as the general stream of people make for the exit, the thought of food and drink too great a temptation to delay departure from the Sacred Forge for long.
[Frarin(#31050)] To Thari, Frarin grins suddenly, squeezing her hand and nodding, but saying nothing, as if his expression might speak enough on its own.
Players: Braldor, Ranol, Hildis, Eirdis, Hilvar, Nalur, Olur, Balur, Nari, Frarin, Formin, Thari, Panor, Grarin,
Located in: Erebor
