Wedding in Antiquity

Logging in late last night after my typist spent some nice time with her husband, children, and brother (who was an unexpected, but pleasant surprise guest), I found myself going through the usual routine of seeing to the post. There were a few things going on around the grid in the groups of which I am a part. I really had no particular plan for the evening, so I set about figuring out what I should wear for the night, and then rounding in the Loch to make sure that nothing was amiss.

Suddenly the call came up out of Antiquity:
"We need navy representatives to battle these pirates in the waters of Antiquity tonight."

That sounded just like the ticket. I was feeling the need for some fun and perhaps a little friendly competition. So I determined to head on over. A few of us from Middlesea Fleet (or whatever we are calling ourselves these days) showed up to join representatives from the Antiquity Navy. Post Captain O'Toole, Commander Murakami, and Mr. McCullough (unsure of his rank), and myself.

In two rounds of battles the Navy group fought well, but the Pirates won the day. Just as we prepared our ships for the third battle a call came out over the battle channel from my dear friend, Governor AngusGrahma Caewlin. He surprised us all by requesting the honour of our presence at his wedding to Lady Sharrah Brendel....in 15 minutes!!

We all moored our ships as fast as we could and made haste to change into more appropriate clothing. Battle-worn uniforms were NOT going to do it. So I popped over to Loch Avie and found a gown and some jewlery making it back to the Angus' home just in time to hug the bride and groom and find my place for the service to begin.

It was all very beautiful. Even the toughest pirate and most hardened naval officer there had to find their handkerchiefs as the ceremony unfolded. Or perhaps it was just a bit of ash drifting in the air from St. Kitts which got in their eyes.

The Assembly

You be the judge.

Captain Slam McMahon - officiant

[2008/08/21 21:50] Captain Slam McMahon: In marriage, we give ourselves freely and generously into the hands of the one we love, and in doing so, each of us receives the love and trust of the other as our most precious gift. But even as that gift is shared by two people who are in love, it also touches the friends and family members who in various ways support and contribute to the relationship.

[2008/08/21 21:51] Captain Slam McMahon: All of you are Angus' and Sharrah's community, and each of you has played some part in bringing them to this moment. This is why gathering as a community is such an important part of a wedding ceremony. Because they are now taking a new form as a married couple, and in this form, they become part of their community in a new way.

[2008/08/21 21:51] Captain Slam McMahon: We are here to remember and rejoice with you and to recount with one another that it is love that guides us on our path, and to celebrate as you begin this journey together
[2008/08/21 21:52] Captain Slam McMahon: It is in this spirit that you have come here to today to exchange these vows.
[2008/08/21 21:52] Captain Slam McMahon: You may now exchange vows to one another

Gathering before the ship's captain.

[2008/08/21 21:53] AngusGraham Ceawlin: My dear Sharrah
You have given me new life
you have become my light in darkness
My north star to ever keep me on course
[2008/08/21 21:53] Eva Bellambi smiles softly [2008/08/21 21:54] Lincoln Trafalgar daubs her eyes.
your smile continually warms my very being long after we part
your caress constantly courses thru me each time you touch me
I cannot breath with out thinking of you
my heart does not beat with out your hand upon it
I cannot think of life with out you in any world we are in
I give you my love with out reservation
i give my self in total to you
[2008/08/21 21:56] Sharrah Brendel: dabs a tear
[2008/08/21 21:56] AngusGraham Ceawlin: freely and completley I am yours

The crowd of witnesses

[2008/08/21 21:56] Sharrah Brendel: My dear Angus because you are my love,
my life is enriched in a myriad of ways.
Like a cool refreshing breeze on a sweltering day,
like a ray of sunshine parting dark clouds,
you lift me up.
I learn so much from you;
you help me see old things in new ways.
I wonder if you are aware
of the bright seeds you are sowing in me.
I'm a better person for knowing you,
[2008/08/21 21:57] Lincoln Trafalgar sniffles through her smile. [2008/08/21 21:57] Eva Bellambi smiles at the happy couple and looks for her handkerchief
[2008/08/21 21:57] Sharrah Brendel: You relax me, refresh me, renew me.
Your bounteous generous heart envelops me
contentment and love and peace.
My wish is that your life is filled daily
with dazzling blessings,
just as I am blessed by you and all that you do.
You are my shelter
From life's frequent storms;
Like a comfortable blanket;
You keep me snug, safe and warm.
You're a light in the window
A safe harbor, with you I am not lost
I'm so glad I found you;
Our love is a gift we share.
I can be myself with you,
Safe in your love and care.
I miss you when you're out of sight;.
I think of you often with great anticipation and delight;
You're so much a part of me.
Through fun and fears, play and tears;
I prize our time--the days, the months and someday..years
More than you can know.
Just harmony for me and you,
The two of us--a perfect blend.
I'll cherish you and all we share my whole life through,
My dear and treasured love you are my Everything
I will cherish you always

"You may kiss your bride."

Lord and Lady Ceawlin

After the ceremony I managed to stay awake long enough to dance along with them at their reception/celebration. What a lovely couple.

May joy and peace surround you both.
Contentment latch your door
and happiness be with you now and God bless you evermore.

Beannachd Dia dhuit!