Tending to be ałways the last to one to concerts, Jimmy James finally shows up to the major concer. 27 years old and a former Xagrurgian military paratrooper, he hit the psychedelic rock scene with his songs which became popular with the youth and old hippies. Today, he would be giving his best yet.
[spoiler]His Playlist: Spotify [/spoiler]
Dinner in the Caverns of Light
Marama Caves, some distance from Tokapa, Tokamotu, Kōa
The Grand Duke and Duchess of Dragonia, Jeymian III (82) and Moira Drachenberg (77) enjoyed their meal on the barge as they traveled through the stunning Marama Caves.
The natural beauty of the caves that Mother Urth had wrought over the millennium left them practically speechless and almost in tears to the wonders of nature and her many forms.
They held hands and smiled to each other as they noticed other guests just as awed as they were as their conveyance traveled on through the evening.
Even the poem that Jacopo d’Arrigo recited was just as poignant as the surrounding splendor was.
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Oahoanu’s Story: Dinner in the Cavern of Lights
Marama Caves, some distance from Tokapa, Tokamotu, Kōa
28 November 2017
I am amazed by how even the most cold leaders can become human. Sometimes my own humanity amazes me. The Lady Al’Ameth of Verdrassil was a lovely lady to talk to. She is curious and is not afraid to ask questions. That makes her an engaging person to talk to. She possesses one of those virtues that leaders often take for weakness: the humility to ask.
Our close economic, political and military links with Kuthernburg, shared values and history, and familiarity with their nation made it easy to engage with people from that nation. I was pleased to see Naomi and Aderyn. They were like family and we able to speak with a familiarity and ease that many heads of state were unable to do. “Unfortunately Aroha is at home in another city. Her family should bring her tomorrow morning. So I am alone for now.”, I replied.
Magistrate Jacopo d’Arrigo was one of the few politicians who was genuinely sincere in their work and natural in their disposition. He was like a normal person, remaining above the stoicism of the job of leader. His poem moved me and I couldn’t help but shed a tear. Love was such a powerful force and each human being had the right to experience its impact.
While Kaiser Jon Harstad and I don’t really see eye to eye and diplomatic relations have been strained by the Adumara saga, I couldn’t just not invite him. I was rather pleased by the gift he got Aroha and I for our wedding. I had had akevitt when I last attended his coronation. I had grown to enjoy and actually import some of the stuff (at great expense).
King Lewis is like my slightly lighter skinned and sharper nosed brother. I met him a long time ago and we struck a friendship quickly. I still chuckle when I think about how he tried to save me from drowning only to struggle to get out of the water himself. If it wasn’t for the fear and cold, our first encounter was a hilarious event.
The Empress Glendale was one hell of a lady. She was beautiful (in her own Peregrine way) and glamorous! She was like an unapproachable star: to be admired from afar. I was surprised by the gift she gave me. The painting of the stars and the depth of symbolism surrounding love bridged the gap that our totally divergent cultures and species created by focusing on the most universal thing in the world: love.
Meeting the Grand Duke and Duchess of Dragonia was like meeting my grandparents. They had a close relationship with my father, so much so that we considered them close family friends. They were gracious, wise and funny, digging up old stories and relaying them humourously.
It was getting late and I had to prepare for the wedding tomorrow. The barge turned back around and my guests went back to their hotels after finishing their food. I had to get some sleep before I spent the rest of my life with my better half.
Whetu’s story: The Concert
Palms Dome Stadium, Tokapa, Tokamotu, Kōa
28 November 2017
I had such a blast! Hosting this concert was a lot of fun! So many artists from different countries I came. I think this is one of the biggest concerts in the world. It was a chance to get all these people from different countries together, to celerate Kunuitāutuna’s wedding to his Arikina.
I was pleased with how I did. Maybe I didn’t sing and dance, but I helped make the show a success. I went up the stage one more time to wish the audience a safe journey back home. The concert was over! We had a good time. Tomorrow would be the actual wedding. I already had my outfit ready! I can’t wait to see what Lady Aroha’s family will look like when her family brings her back.
Aroha’s Story: Heading for Tokapa
Rarakaupana, Atapa, Atamotu, Kōa
1 December 2017
I am sooo cold!
I feel like all the heat has been sucked out of the air. My family is taking me to Tokapa. It’s around three o’clock in the morning. I’ve been up since about eleven yesterday getting ready. My dress was basically sewn onto me and my hair sculpted. It took surprisingly less time than I thought it would. It’s not often that a girl gets to wear a dress made of gossamer. It is one of the softest things I’ve ever touched. All sorts of jewels are draped on me. The fact that my cape is TWELVE METRES LONG makes moving around difficult.
But I feel good, but mostly nervous. The massive procession to Tokapa features around a thousand members of my tribe and people from the community. The cavalcade features automobiles and carriages such as the one I am in. It’s like a moving house made of brilliant red cloth pulled by twelve horses.
Different people in my clan are singing and dancing on the forty kilometre journey. It was a slow plod that took far longer than I had hoped nor had anyone imagined. The immense security and logistical challenge that was faced to move little old me from one point to another was a bit scary. Not so long ago, I was able to drive through the countryside to Lady Noa’s mansion. Now soldiers flank my “carriage” (note “moving house”!) and police ensure that the route is cleared and the public is kept at a safe distance.
I look through cracks in my massive house like tented carriage and see the jubilant faces of people who are actually glad that I am marrying their beloved Emperor. I can’t fail them. I will not fail him.
Tokapa, Tokamotu, Kōa
1 December 2017
Lambertus, his wife, Rosetta; whom was allowed out of hospital despite her worsening condition, his mother, Isabel; a much respected woman for her age and the duties she performed for King and country in the reign of Galfridus and the early years of Lambertus, and his two beautiful daughters, the now heir apparent Rosamund and her sister Harriet were all attending the ceremony. They were sat in their hotel apartment watching the procession, and were invited to the binding of the two lovers.
The five of them were sat around the large living quarters. The conversation changed from the wedding, to the tragedy of Thadeus, to Rosamund’s boyfriend (whom nobody besides the royals know about) and then back to the wedding. They over emphasised on how much it was going to be an excellent event, with Lambertus later talking about the gift he had for Aroha and Oahoanu.
[spoiler]
81, 82 on the 4th of January.
[/spoiler]
Aroha’s story: Arrival at Tokapa
Whare ta ti Ahua, Tokapa, Tokamotu, Kōa
1 December 2017
We arrived at the homestead of the Ahua clan around nine o’clock in the morning. The Ahua clan is the clan that the royal family and ultimately Oahoanu belong to. The clan is named after its founder: Ahua I, who was also the founder of our nation in its current incarnation some 800 years ago.
The gates to the homestead were closed. My uncle dismounted his steed and blew a great horn. Boooooom! The great sound echoed. Women ululated and men shouted with joy as we patiently waited for our hosts to welcome us. A messenger slipped out and began the welcoming ceremony.
The welcoming ceremony was a performance by which the intention of the visitation was conveyed, the identity of the visitors was revealed, the people were invited in and the visitors thanked their guests. It was a process full of poetry and song. The uncles expressed themselves with beautiful archaic-sounding poetry.
“By the name of Ihu, we art nigh thine threshold, the representatives of the clan of Pūtea, Pūtea who stole a feather from the moa bird that cried, “Art thou mad?!” and he replied ere it pursued him through the forests, “I art witty and brave”, to present to the noble house of Ahua, Ahua who wrestled with the sea and held water like a blade in his hands, our fair daughter as thine for hath we agreed with thee that we shalt her prepare and present before thee after the payment of a bridal price, yon score days past, as thine bride”.
“Wherefore art thine here and who are thee?”
“We art of Pūtea, they are seen by the lofty moa feathers that crown their heads, who dart sharply with the sigh of the wind war’ of the vengeful moa bird. We art here to present thine bride to wed with thine son, Aroha, the lady who’s brow was kissed by dew drops”.
“Dost thou speak of she who is mantled with the cloak of many words, etching on parchment prose, poetry and rapport of such things fantastical and true?”
“Aye, it is she!”
“Who art thou that speaketh so boldy at the gate that thou presenteth she whose raiment is the lofty curl of words and sentences?”
“I art one nobly elect and trusty messenger…” etc. etc. etc.
And it went on like that for about an hour. Then we were finally welcomed into the yard. The Ahua clan welcomed us with songs and shouts of joy. Wanu (Oahoanu) and his dad were seated with a large group of clan elders and visiting heads of state in a massive tent in the even bigger court yard of the homestead.
Clan elders from the Pūtea clan greeted the father of the house and head of the Ahua clan, Wanu’s dad. Elders of the Ahua clan were asked to verify that I was indeed the lady chosen for their son. They timidly opened my tent and asked me questions:
“Art thou she who has captured the heart of our son? Whereat hadst thou kept it?”
“In my bosom where it shalt be shielded from the passage of time, the hands of thieves, the malevolence of sorcerers, the charms of enchanters, and the works of man. I have kept it deep in the palms of Ihu, who has sent a watch of the host of Rangi, to protect and comfort it”.
“By what name dost thou calleth him?”
“Oahoanu, the one who wrestled with the barbari of the Azure Sea”.
“What mark is etched on his skin?”
“The curling waves of Moana, Moana with whom Ahua, his ancestor, tamed and commanded to seal the creatures of the deep behind the great sluice beneath the sea”.
After a few more questions, they excitedly proclaimed, “It is she!”
Ehe proclaimed, “Let us see her then!”
The ladies of the Pūtea clan surrounded my carriage and sang a song mourning my depature. They lamented the loss of a beloved flower from their garden. The ladies of the Ahua clan tried to comfort them that this was a good home, that the soil was rich and good. The men of the Pūtea clan sang, wondering how I will be protected. The men of the Ahua clan sang, that I am safe. When the Pūtea’s were EVENTUALLY satisfied they let me leave. They then asked me if I must go. So I had to sing a song. With my voice I comforted my mother, and the other women, I sang a sonh about the love I had for Wanu.
“What blight shall overtake the land that is greater than my love for him?” etc. etc.
Then he sang too, “For shall be the remedy that heals the world”.
It was magical.
Oahoanu’s story: The Wedding Ceremony
Wharenui ta ti Ahua, Tokapa, Tokamotu, Kōa
1 December 2017
Aroha’s father and a few women from the Ahua and Pūtea clans escorted her into the tent that had been set up on the grounds of the homestead in which the ceremony would take place. Various heads of state, foreign dignitaries, business people, aristocrats, friends and family sat under the large tent waiting for my love to enter and take her seat.
Oan weddings did not feature a wedding march in the vein of “Here comes the bride”. Women sang a variety of songs, some women excitedly swept the ground before as she slowly made her way to her seat. Her cape was 12 metres long, she wore a crown of narwhal tusk and onyx with five long feathers at the back. Her dress was made of gossamer. It was white, but shimmered with numerous colors. Her face was covered with a veil made of gossamer and trimmed by the same material and chevron patterns were on her cape.
She sat on the floor with the rest of her escort. Her father greeted mine and the Reverend Tamatara began the ceremony. I greet you all in the name of our lord and saviour, Jesus Christ. We are gathered here in the presence of the most high to celebrate and bear witness to the matrimony of His Serene Majesty, Oahoanu ta Ehe ta Ahua and the Lady, Aroha ta Rowhare ta Pūtea.
May the Reverend Rakautoka open the proceedings with a prayer.
The Reverend Rakautoka stood up, came forward and asked us to close our eyes and bow our heads. He said the prayer and sat down. The Reverend Tamataro took the podium again, “They have invited fathers and elders in the Church of Jesus Christ to impart us with wisdom before sealing the covenant of marriage.” He invited the speakers to come to the front and share the word. Each was one of the most prominent religious leaders on Urth. I felt satisfied that the universal church of our saviour was united by my own union with my soon-to-be wife.
Poep Ciaran was one of the religious leaders invited to the Royal Wedding. He arrived in the Tokapa from Codex, and was struck by the splendor of the natural environment. Normally the Poep would arrive to followers clamoring to see and hear him, but for the events of today, the combination of a private guest-list and a quick turnaround made the Poep’s arrival come with little fanfare. It was likely that the Poep would make a return visit within the next year, to seize on the goodwill that a wedding of this magnitude brings.
He arrived in the grand tent, and was greeted and supplicated by world leaders and dignitaries. He took it all in stride, a humble, contemplative man, who channeled this attention bestowed on him to instead bestowing the glory of God and veneration to the Church. With a slight smile, a whispered “Peace be upon you, my Son/Daughter,” and an outstretched hand when the dignitaries wanted to kiss his ring. When the attention had faded somewhat, he slowly made his way to his reserved seat, ready to listen to the wedding, as well as give his invocation…
After the welcome by the Reverend Rakautoka, it was the Poep’s turn to speak. Grasping the shoulder of the Reverend as he walked off the stage, the Poep turned to a Christian artifact and bowed. He stood at the stand, and in slow, methodical Codexian, began his speech,
"Each year, some birds travel thousands of miles to migrate for the winter. This journey is tiring, long, and can be dangerous and challenging, an obstacle that some do not overcome. Over the course of their lifetime, these birds may travel the circumference of the Urth many times over. Why do they do it? Besides it being in their nature, birds embark on this journey to find warmer environments, food, and perhaps love. Love. Birds may travel thousands of miles, for love. As followers of Christ, we are compelled to embark on a similar journey, but instead of flying, we face challenges of a different sort. Death, despair, false deities, and ill-will all come to mind. Why do we make the trek? We certainly wouldn’t if we thought it was hopeless. We embark on the journey of life, because we know that what is awaiting us is greater than any challenge we are faced with. What is awaiting us is love, love of the most perfect sort, the love that is pure and wholesome and eternal. It is the love that God bestows on each and every one of Her children.
But, just as birds do not fly aimlessly, God does not send us out into the world, aimlessly trying to find Her. God gives us road maps, wind patterns, a natural instinct to seek Her out. One of these is through the Sacraments, and two come to mind that seek to emulate the love that God has for each one of us. The first is Holy Orders, which is granted for the union between a man, and soon a woman, and the Church. The other is Matrimony, which is a union to emulate the love God has for Her children. Holy Matrimony bestows upon two individuals God’s grace to love as completely and perfectly as humanly possible. For the journey to seek God is made more clear when you love and cherish your partner as you should Christ. Today, we celebrate the union of two individuals to one embodiment of God’s grace. Oahoanu and Aroha will continue to embark on their journey in Christ, and will make this journey together. They will take the vows to love and cherish one another, to follow the teachings of Christ, and to lead both the flock of their nation and the flock of their family towards God’s great glory. But, they will need help to do this, which I would like to call upon God to grant. Please bow your heads for God’s blessing:
Lord and Heavenly Mother, you gave us your only Son, Jesus Christ, to the world, to show men and women how to love and worship you. As we continue in the path Jesus has set out for us, grant your two followers, Aroha and Oahoanu, the fortitude needed to stay true to this path. Grant your followers the wisdom needed to seek out the love for each other, for in their love, they will find you, oh Heavenly Mother. Grant your followers the understanding and counsel to always be fair, kind, and just in challenging times. Grant your followers the knowledge and piety to always worship you, and to contemplate the wonder of your incredible grace you bestow onto each and every one of us. Finally, grant your followers the blessings you bestow upon your faithful flock, for children, and eternal love. We ask this through Jesus Christ, Amen."
Pausing before closing with “Amen,” the Poep motioned to two of his servers, and they brought up a small bucket of water, and a couple of rags. The Poep stepped off the podium and walked to the royal couple, asked them to remove their footwear, knelt down, and washed their feet. He moved from the bridegroom, to the bride, to the Best Man and Maid of Honor, and to the parents, and finally the religious leaders, until 12 sets of feet were washed. Bowing respectfully to the royal couple, and then to the Christian artifact, he again took his seat.
Due to the nature of the wedding, the sermon and blessings that Danylo II - Ecumenical Patriarkh of Misto Doshchi - would be bestowing were to be somewhat abridged. As he would be neither granting the rings to the couple nor giving them the ceremonial crowning, various customs would be excluded. Regardless, it would still be a very traditionally Troitsan segment of the ceremony.
He rose from his seat and stepped forward towards the couple, voice ringing out calmly and boldy as his gaze slowly moved from one to the other. "Blessed art Thou, O Lord our God, Priest of mystical and undefiled marriage, and the Ordainer of the law of the marriage of the body, the Preserver of immortality, and the Provider of the good things of life; the same Master, Who in the beginning didst make man and establish him as a king over creation, and didst say: ‘It is not good that man should be alone on upon the earth; let us make a helper fit for him.’ Taking one of his ribs Thou didst fashion woman; and when Lyudyna saw her, he said: ‘This is at last bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Zhinka; she was taken from me.’ For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother, and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh; what therefore God has joined together, let no man put asunder. Do Thou now also, O Master, our Lord and our God, send down Thy heavenly grace upon these Thy servants, Oahoanu and Aroha; grant that this Thy handmaid may be subject to her husband in all things, and that this Thy servant may be the head of his wife, so that they may live according to Thy will.
Bless them, O Lord our God, as Thou didst bless Andrii and Isabel. Bless them, O Lord our God, as Thou didst bless Mihail and Stratlyana. Bless them, O Lord our God, as Thou didst bless Jon and all the patriarchs. Bless them, O Lord our God, as Thou didst bless Sasha and Lera. Bless them, O Lord our God, as Thou didst bless Enrique and Nastia. Bless them, O Lord our God, as Thou didst bless Joachim and Kseniya. Bless them, O Lord our God, as Thou didst bless Zachar and Inna. Preserve them, O Lord our God, as Thou didst preserve Konstantine Ivanoff. Preserve them, O Lord our God, as Thou didst preserve Andriy Ivanoff against the great serpent. Preserve them, O Lord our God, as Thou would preserve all Thy creation; and let that gladness come upon them which the blessed Angela had when she found the precious Cross. Remember them, O Lord our God, as Thou didst remember Vitaliy, Renata, Eliaj. Remember them, O Lord our God, as Thou didst remember Thy holy martyrs, sending down upon them crowns from heaven. Remember them, O Lord our God, and the parents who have nurtured them, for the prayers of parents make firm the foundations of houses.
Remember, O Lord our God, Thy servants, the groomsman and the bridesmaid of the bridal pair, who have come together in this joy. Remember, O Lord our God, Thy creations Oahoanu and Aroha, and bless them. Grant them of the fruit of their bodies, fair children, concord of soul and body. Exalt them like the cedars of Misto Doshchi, like a luxuriant vine. Give them offspring in number like unto full ears of grain; so that, having enough of all things, they may abound in every work that is good and acceptable. Let them see their children’s children, like olive shoots around their table; so that, finding favor in Thy sight, they may shine like the stars of heaven, in Thee, our God."
He requested the couple to bow their heads unto the Lord, and did so with his own, the ceremonial Troitsan sceptre he carried pointing towards the heavens. In a softer timbre than before, he began to pray in Ivlyan.
“Hospody, Bozhe nash, kotryy pidtrymuvav Tserkvu Troyatsin yak chystu diva z chysla pohan: blahoslovy tse zaruchennya, i ob’yednaysya i zberezheshsya tsi tvorinnya Tvori v myri ta yednosti rozumu. Bo Tobi nalezhytʹ vsya slava, chestʹ i pokloninnya Bat’ko, i Synu, i Svyatomu Dukhovi, nyni i nazavzhdy viky viku.”
Switching to Codexian, he repeated the prayer in the same tone as he had used initially.
“O Lord our God, Who hast espoused the Troitsan Church as a pure virgin from among the gentiles: bless this betrothal, and unite and maintain these Thy creations in peace and oneness of mind. For unto Thee are due all glory, honor, and worship: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.”
With a gracious nod to the couple, he returned to his seat.
It was nice to get away from the drab skies, snowfall, and wind-kissed cold that enveloped Listonia and Ye’leli, and enter a world that was full of vibrancy and tempered decadence. While she wanted to be by her father, Ikrisia knew her job didn’t typically allow him to do what she wanted, but there were those back in the Listonian capital that kept her updated. More of the same. At least he was still alive.
She tried to hide her emotions, something she was quite experienced in doing, as she quietly moved near the back of the tent to find a quick seat. Her dress was appropriate for a church, as she wore a black dress that fell to the knee and heels with a buckle. Though her dress was strapless, she was appropriately covered with a knitted white shawl, the pattern distinctly Listonian. The Premier was guided to her seat by Yensey, whom she had taken a strong liking to. He of course opted for a tuxedo in the common Vekaiyun threads. He smiled warmly at her and led her with strong arms. She could use strength right now, but she tried to remember his words and his talk, telling her to take a break, that her overthinking and worry wouldn’t change the situation back in Listonia.
The two attempted to absorb the ceremony as best they could, but it was a bit different. Ikrisia’s ears were trained for Codexian after the various meetings and instances she had with other dignitaries in other nations. It was nothing for her to fly to another nation and be dropped in a situation where she had to immediately grab hold and re-adjust her bearings. She even packed a swimsuit and some gear for later if she wanted to go for a swim or snorkeling excursion. Yensey on the other hand wasn’t quite used to an all-Codexian nation, but he’d never show it. He’d figure it out as it went along.
“Doing alright?” he whispered, turning his head to Ikrisia.
Ikrisia nodded. “Yeah.”
“Can’t check your emails in church, you know.” He smiled.
“I know.”
The two, along with the entire congregation, watched as the the Bishop of Eldura, otherwise known as the Vayan Catholic Pope, slowly made his way to the podium. He was dressed in a rather becoming white robe with impressive thread count along with purple vestments, lined in gold threading and adorned with a variety of holy symbols known by every Vayan Catholic, of course. His necklace was perhaps the strangest, however. One of St. Aiya’s blessing fingers hung from a transparent tube of amber, carved to fit the relic perfectly. It glistened in the lighting, shimmering as her small finger represented the first non-human Christian in the world.
Iskelo IV (Iskelo taken from an early Christian Unonian name which is a personification of benevolence), offered a strong smile toward the soon-to-be-wed couple, as well as any 53 year old vulpine could. He held his hands up, about shoulder length, and had an unusual smell to him, lavender, perhaps?
The Pope began with the Sign of the Cross. “Gathered are we to your temple to witness the mysteries of your divine grace and unquenchable love,” the pope began. His voice had a sort of caramelized tone, and he spoke in a cantor that was unusual, but deliberate. Though his accent was thick, one could still decipher what he was saying without too much trouble. “We witness the union of two of your servants. We ask for their blessings and guidance, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
The Pope continued to pontificate, unraveling the mysteries of marriage like an artisan works over a finely-tuned skill, like a conductor softly guiding the orchestral movement as something that was both graceful and curious. A prayer was asked of St. Aiya to intercede on behalf of the poor and the hopeless. A prayer of intercession was asked to St. Ignes of Provinsk, the patron saint of language, that the couple would be able to communicate well and any hardships between them would be easily understood. He then returned focus to God.
“God our Father has so loved us that in Christ he makes us his children and the witnesses of his love before the entire world. Let us, therefore, call upon him in all confidence, saying…”
“Lord, help us to remain always in your love,” Ikrisia and Yensey whispered from the back, almost on instinct (Vayan Catholics were fervent chanters).
“God our Father, you willed that your true children, brothers and sisters in Christ, should be known by their love for one another. You place upon us the sweet demands of love so that we may find happiness by responding to them. You call these servants to the communion of life and love that binds the Christian family together, mind and heart. We praise you, Lord, for your gentle plan draws together your children in love for one another. Strengthen their hearts, so that they will keep faith with each other, please you in all things, and so come to the happiness of celebrating the sacrament of their marriage. We ask this through Christ our Lord.” After leading the congregation in a final ‘Amen’, he concluded his discourse. “May the God of love and peace abide in you, guide your steps, and confirm your hearts in his love, now and forever. Amen.”
The Vayan Catholic Pope made his way to his seat.
Oahoanu’s story: The Wedding Ceremony
Wharenui ta ti Ahua, Tokapa, Tokamotu, Kōa
1 December 2017
The leaders of the largest Christian denominations in the world delivered moving sermons on love and marriage. I was satisfied that, although our denominations are numerous, love was able to unite us all. The Reverend Tamataro stood up at last and thanked the Bishop of Eldura for his sermon.
He articulated the procedure that the Evangelical Church followed in the formal Sealing of the Covenant, “Marriage has been decreed by God throughout out the history of human beings, starting in the book of Genesis where it is written, ‘A man shall leave his father’s house and take a wife’. Marriage is a covenant that is meant to secure love, kindness and fidelity as one of the ten commandments commands us not to commit adultery and the first book of the Corinthians states that a man is a head of a woman, and Christ is the head of man. In this sense we call upon God to bless their union and provide them with the grace to exercise love and fidelity in their marriage. I would like to ask His Serene Majesty, the Emperor of Polynesia and the Defender of the Oan Isles, Oahoanu ta Ahua and lady Aroha ta Pūtea to come before everyone assembled here today to seal this covenant”.
I stood up and stood on the raised stage and Aroha joined me and I held her hand. Tears formed on the brim of my eyelashes, while Aroha’s trickled down her cheeks. I spoke and said, “Love of my life, lady of my heart, I am honoured that thou hast chosen me to be thine husband. Thou art my comfort, the mother of my children, the keeper of my home, and my companion and helper. I vow to be thine husband in sickness and in health, in comfort and in poverty, in peace and in confrontation in the name of Ihu Karaiti. I vow to remain with thee through all things in the name of Ihu Karaiti. I beseech God to strengthen me against lust, selfishness and wrath in the name of Ihu Karaiti. I beseech God to give me kindness, patience, wisdom and understanding and fortitude in the name of Ihu Karaiti. By this blood and this flesh of our Saviour, King and Master, I remember his atoning death for all mankind and his union with his Church, as reflected and manifested by mine own divine union with thee mine wife”.
After I said this, I partook of the Holy Communion. I put a diamond and whale bone bracelet around her wrist and said, “May this bracelet symbolise and remind thee of mine love and our eternal union”
She said her vows:
“My dear, dear love, lord of my heart, I am honoured that thou hast chosen me to be thine wife. Thou art my comfort, the father of my children, the head of my family, and my companion and provider. I vow to be thine wife in sickness and in health, in comfort and in poverty, in peace and in confrontation in the name of Ihu Karaiti. I vow to remain with thee through all things in the name of Ihu Karaiti. I beseech God to strengthen me against lust, selfishness and wrath in the name of Ihu Karaiti. I beseech God to give me kindness, patience, wisdom and understanding and fortitude in the name of Ihu Karaiti. By this blood and this flesh of our Saviour, King and Master, I remember his atoning death for all mankind and his union with his Church, as reflected and manifested by mine own divine union with thee mine husband”.
After she said this, she partook of the Holy Communion. She put a diamond and whale bone bracelet around my wrist and said, “May this bracelet symbolise and remind thee of mine love and our eternal union” Then I lifted her veil, and grabbed her by the waist. She put her arms over my shoulders and we kissed. The entire crowd went wild. I held her hand and we proceeded down the aisle to the elephants that were waiting to carry us to the reception. Men and women performed a wedding haka as we departed.
Aroha’s story: Riding on Elephants
Wharenui ta ti Ahua, Tokapa, Tokamotu, Kōa
1 December 2017
My tummy was full of flutterbys. There was magic as we kissed and holding onto his strong arms as we left filled me with joy. There was a surprise waiting for us outside. Twenty elephants were decorated with cloth and beads. They were brightly coloured and well trained. They stood silently in a line waiting for our friends, family and visiting dignitaries to ride them.
The first elephant’s name was a cow named Dumbo. Her trainer clicked something and she went down and let us ride on her back. A decorated canopy shielded us from the sun. We rode at the head of the procession. Wanu and I sat, holding each other tightly as Dumbo’s trainer held her by the reins and led her to down the road.
I turned my head and laughed as more adventurous heads of state took their luck climbing on the great creatures. Those with weaker dispositions rode on carriages pulled by horses behind us. The massive procession made its way down the planned route. We rode through Palms Boulevard. Massive palm trees lined the wide road as fancy shops, hotels and cafes had their side walks lined with thousands of people cheering us on.
Dumbo excitedly led out a great trumpeting sound, to the delight of the crowd. It was wonderful to climb on this creature. It bobbed up and dowm slightly as it walked through the street. I was laughing and laughing and so was my Wanu. He held me at the waist and kissed my neck. We waved at the crowds. Stuffy pompousness was thrown of the window as we laughed with the crowds who “ooohed” and “aahhed” as the twenty elephants proceeded to the coast where floating reception waited for us.
The Wedding Ceremony,
Wharenui ta ti Ahua, Tokapa, Tokamotu, Kōa
1 December 2017
Both the Grand Duke and Duchess of Dragonia quietly and respectfully sat through the various religious sermons with a quiet ‘Blessed Be’ at the end in Dragonian in place of Amen. Even though Catholicism was not their faith, they were still respectful of others beliefs.
They both enjoyed watching the pomp and pageantry of this royal wedding, but agreed that the simple Druidicism Bonding ceremonies of Dragonia was easier to understand and follow.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Riding on Elephants
Wharenui ta ti Ahua, Tokapa, Tokamotu, Kōa
1 December 2017
When the Grand Duchess Moira saw the elephants and the palanquins on them, she turned to her husband of many years with a look in her eyes that said, ‘yes we are riding them’. The Grand Duke for his part just smiled and nodded in a silent acquiesce to her request.
Moira would have squealed with delight, but the child-like smile on her face when both the Grand Duke and Duchess were helped up into the covered palanquin was not missed by anybody.
Jeymian III just smiled as he indulged his wife her ‘adventure’ as they traveled the parade to their destination.
[spoiler]The pictures are what I could find quickly. I’m sure there are better on the net, but this gives ya’ the idea. I’m a visual type of person … I like to ‘see’ what I’m imagining and looking at.
[/spoiler]
Wharenui ta ti Ahua, Tokapa, Tokamotu, Kōa
1 December 2017
The wedding was beautiful. The scenery was beautiful. Lambertus and Rosetta had been holding hands throughout the ceremony, the stars in their eyes making frequent contact. The elegance and purity displayed brought tears to the couple, as well as the joy of revisiting their own wedding almost 26 years ago.
Their daughters were emotional too. Only Rosamund had experienced true love. Their bond brought her to tears in the comfort of Harriet, remembering her late lover.
When they kissed, so did Lambertus and Rosetta. Tears rolled down his face, and when they stopped, they stared at each other for a very long time. Rosamund used her finger to take his sadness away. He did not want to loose her, but he felt her fading away at every instance. He cried, but between them. Such public affection was never seen from the royals, but they knew that everybody would be looking at Oahoanu and Aroha. Their children and his mother were all cheering on the newlyweds, following the crowd down the isle.
Upon sight of the elephants, Harriet cheered and held her sisters hand. The family of five were helped onto the elephant behind the newlyweds, cheering on whilst enjoying the parade.
Ikrisia and Yensey continued to watch from afar as those who were feeling a bit adventurous started to climb elephants and go for a ride. The beasts looked nice, seemed nice, but vulpines and sentient elephants from Elphene didn’t quite get along - they were known to rip a vulpine in half if provoked.
“I didn’t think it was possible, but these elephants look bigger than the ones back home. And nicer, too.”
Ikrisia smiled. “They’re very intimidating, the sentient ones. Some are nice, but most, well, let’s just say I’m glad I have never met one alone.”
“Ah don’t worry, I’ll beat them up and take names, you know?” He put his arm around her. “It comes with the job, I guess.”
“So you’re my bodyguard, are you?”
“I mean, do you need one?”
She rested her head on his arm. “I suppose I could use one. Sure.”
Oahoanu’s story: A Party on the Sea
Kokoru Tonga, Tokapa, Tokamotu, Koa
1 December 2017
The parade of elephants went down the planned route. Guests rode on elephants in palaquins, in carriages pulled by horses or in cars. The route was designed so that as many of our people as possible could see us and wish us well. People from different parts of the country had come to share in our happiness. Some people came from overseas to be a part of our wedding. The parade was designed as a chance for them to be part of our celebration even if they could not all come to the ceremony or the reception. Seeing all these people with whom I shared a strong and intangible bond reminded me that being a ceremonial figurehead carries more gravitas than people would think.
The parade eventually ended at the South Bay of La Rochelle known in Reoa as Kokoru Tonga. It was an area on the coast that was generally quiet and secluded. It was the setting of our reception. There were twenty large traditional ships or barges called waka.
They were twelve metres long and eight metres wide and made of wood from the massive Kauri trees. They were covered with a tent. There were six tables in each waka that sat eight people at a table. In total the reception had 840 people. These were family, nobles, foreign dignitaries, important officials, celebrities, businesspeople and friends.
There was one main waka where my love, my family, my closest friends and various world leaders. Here my closest relatives and friends gave speeches of encouragement and advise or shared stories about either myself or Aroha.
The other guests could view and listen to the proceedings on screens and speakers on each waka. They could choose from a menu of different foods that were served by waiters who zipped around on speed boats. Floating lanterns were placed on the water. There were thousands of lights floating on the water. They looked like stars shining on the sea. They illuminated the fish and coral beneath the water. The coral and fish reflected the light giving a brilliant colourful shine.
We watched performances by various artists who gave a haka or ceremonial chant as tribute to myself and Aroha. Aroha and I stood and reciprocated with a chant of gratitude of our own. Different groups came through wishing us the best. Aroha was so moved that she sobbed, wept and cried like a child. Then we simmered down and enjoyed our food.
There were different types of traditional Oan foods such as purple Pax Fruites, firerose tea, edible wood, seafood and bird. Music played lightly in the background. Oan singers performed a very airy song. Their long and wordless vocalisations reflected the sigh of the breeze, the stillness of the water, the song of whales in the distance. There was an immense sense of peace and calm with the stars above reflecting the stars shining on the sea. It was as though Rangi (Heaven) and Papa (Urth) had come together again just as they did when the world was first made.
((OOC: concept posted with permission from Oan))
“I feel so absolutely silly.”
“Ah, that’s cause you’re on land,” Yensey said to Ikrisia as he set her down in a beachside lounge chair. Though it was later in the day, the sun was still up and the waters were still warm, even though the blue sky was beginning to take on hues of red and purple on a canvas that could only be painted by the Almighty himself. The purple colors were a bit darker than the one on Ikrisia’s tail: a sleek and shimmering mermaid tail complete with stunning bifurcated fins at the end. It did well to hide her legs, and the purple shell bra she wore held her in place. A small air tank hidden by a back dorsal fin was on her back.
“I still can’t believe you got one of these things.” She felt quite useless in her outfit, but also somewhat unique.
Yensey, on the other hand, opted for the standard jeans and a tank-top. “Well, I know during the opening ceremonies you really wanted to be in the mermaid routine, but it wouldn’t have made sense to crawl up to the podium when you were ready to open the games up. So, I made them keep the costume you would’ve wore. I was assured it works.”
“So what do I do, just sit here and lounge around?” she asked as she tried to adjust the starfish in her hair. “And what does this guy do?”
“Some decoration I think.” He helped her to adjust it. “But eh, just sit there and look pretty. Maybe wave to some of the beach-goers and flick your tail before I roll you over to the sea.”
“Oh you don’t want me to crawl?”
“Well, maybe I could carry you over there. You know, like a strong sailor type.”
“Or we could get you a tail.”
He laughed. “Nah, I’d look silly.”
“Well then we’d match, right?” she grinned, then tried to maneuver her tail. “Here, stand right over there so I can smack you with this.”
“Ikrisia…”
“No really, just a couple paces backward - I swear.” She was quick to move the new appendage, but wasn’t really able to make much headway.
“Ikrisia,” he began as he looked into her eyes. “I think if either one of us could make it any less awkward, it just wouldn’t feel right. And that’s what I love about you. You’re unique. But you also care about the things one needs to care about. Despite all the stuff that’s happened. You’re warm and kind, regardless of what happens.”
She tried to wave her tail. “Well, Yensey, you’re smart and quick. A little shy, yes, but shyness is attractive. Quirky, but in a good way. Humble, too. And you’re honest. I really do think you’d treat me the same way if I wasn’t a premier, and that means a lot to me.”
“You mean a lot to me.” He moved to one knee. “And I’m not letting you go.”
Ikrisia knew precisely what this moment meant. A whirlwind of questions circled in her mind. Questions of feasibility, of ensuring he wouldn’t be hurt, to questions… well, of the fact that she wouldn’t be able to conceive - it was all occurring so fast. But she couldn’t disappoint him, not now. She actually did care about him and actually did want what was best for him. It pained her to think such things, but perhaps later she could tell him that she was barren. She wanted so desperately to have a child, to show her father that she could be an alright parent despite their issues and share her love with a smaller being like herself, but it wasn’t meant to be. Her line would die with her, but lines were meaningless. She just wanted to feel vulpine, instead of this thing the previous government made her into. “Not going to throw me back in the water, are you?”
“Nope.” He pulled out a pearl ring from a small box kept in his jeans. “Ikrisia Levinile, will you marry me?”
She smiled and moved her gaze from the ring back to him. “Are you asking Ikrisia the vulpine or Ikrisia the mermaid?”
“Mermaid of course. We’ll rent a wheelbarrow and roll you down the aisle for the ceremony, then put you in your tank for the reception before letting you go in the Gulf of Itur.”
Ikrisia laughed. “Okay, enough of the mermaid puns. Yensey, yes. I will marry you.” She put a hand to her forehead as he put the ring on her finger. “Sorry. I just never thought I would have ever said that. What would you do if I said no?”
“I wasn’t going to let you out of that tail until you said yes.”
“And that was the plan all along, right?” She gripped the part that hugged her waist and tugged. “How does this thing come off anyway?” The mermaid pulled harder. “This thing’s suctioned to me or something.”
He stood up. “Oh, it needs another person to take it off. There’s a pressure zipper that needs a little force, and it’s kind of awkward for the person wearing it to zip it down. Don’t want it to slip off when performing.”
“Really now?”
“Hand to God. You’ll need help with the bra, too.”
“Ah, yeah it’s a bit tight.” She looked up at him. “You’re not letting me out of this anytime soon, are you?”
“Nope.” He crossed his arms.
“Gonna let me suffer, are you? But I don’t have anything on under this tail.”
Yensey grinned. “Well… maybe that’s not a bad thing. Unless you want to find someone else to help you out, of course.”
“And what if I do?” she smirked.
“Well then you’d be setting yourself up for more awkwardness. Like this.” He turned to the other beach-goers. “Hey, look everyone! It’s a real, authentic merfox! Complete with her own air supply!” He pushed the mouthpiece into Ikrisia mouth as she rolled her eyes and tried her best to flick her tail.
Jacopo d’Arrigo and Jackson Woolf were sitting on the beach, within eyesight of the main party, and so they could see the outlines of two vulpines, one of them masquerading as a mermaid in a distant beach chair. Woolf was not sitting, so much as squatting, as the elephant ride had given him quite a sore heinie. d’Arrigo tried to contain himself during the trip, he really did, but the sight of Woolf squatting and rubbing his bottom here on the beach sent him over the edge, and he doubled over laughing.
Between laughs he gasped, “Dear lord, Jackson, weren’t you in the Navy? You’ve had to have dealt with riding a moving object before!”
“Yes, sir, but we didn’t ride elephants in the Navy. Believe it or not, we rode seafaring vessels in the Navy.”
“So you mean like whales or dolphins?”
“Sure, why not, sir, where are you heading with this?”
“Well, there’s a seafaring vessel out in the water down there,” d’Arrigo said, pointing to Ikrisia, who had been moved to the shore and was flicking her tail at the beach-goers. “Could you ride that vessel?”
“Sir, your mouth is going to get you into trouble. And, just so you know, I always have to clean up after your diplomatic messes.”
“Jackson, my close friend, my loyal janitor, what would I do without you?”
“Nothing, sir, nothing whatsoever.”
“You’re probably right about that. Did you enjoy the wedding?”
“Indeed, it was a joyous occasion. I’m glad Oahoanu and Aroha kept it so grounded in their religious faith.”
“I didn’t really think you were religious, Jackson.”
“I’m not, sir. But the importance of having something to believe so fervently cannot be understated. It keeps one grounded and humble.”
“What is your ‘religion,’ then, Jackson?”
“My wife, sir, Virginia. We’ve been married forty years, and of all the accomplishments I have had in my life, her accepting my marriage proposal is the best one.”
“That’s really sweet, Mr. Woolf. From the few times I have interacted with her, I can truly understand what you mean. I wanted to talk to you about something, Jackson.”
“Yes, sir?”
“This past year has been eventful, but it really shows a development between the two of us. If we were in some sort of story, we would have some pretty large character arcs.”
“Sir, what do you mean?”
“Well, let’s look at the beginning of the year. I’ll be frank, you and I did not agree with each other at all. This union between the two of us as Magistrate and Foreign Secretary was brought about for political purposes. I know that and you know that. I needed you for the military commanders to support me, and you needed me for the general population.”
“Yes, sir.”
“There were times that we really hated each other. I’ll tell you, at the beginning of the year, I cannot believe I gave you so much leeway to do what you wished. I think the breaking point was that Latianburg issue, when you called together Adumara, Asendavia, and Chianski on your diplomatic ship. To me, you turned your back on what was best for Furnifold and for my administration, and did it to suit your own political aims.”
“Sir, since we’re being honest, you’re right. It was a political calculation. If I could get the sides to an agreement, then it would have been beneficial to me, and would speak to my diplomatic prowess more than your leadership. But it would have benefited Furnifold, as we would have been able to leave that conflict. But I see what your point is.”
“Exactly. See I’m not an idiot, I may act foolish and lighthearted and immature, but I know what I am doing.”
“Yes, sir, but believe me, I didn’t see that at the beginning of the year.”
“What changed your mind, Jackson?”
“Well sir, it was a few things. I was not positive how much empathy you had for the people. You really had no track record when you were in the Senate, and we could only guess what you wanted based on your business and your speeches, but speeches are a really bad indicator for what will really happen when the leader takes over. But your empathy was evident, in your response to the Yor Isles and Xagrurg situation, and always considering my humanitarian outcomes. It was also your willingness to make tough decisions, which has really impressed our military commanders, sir. The affair of Gronmund Port, in dealing with Chianski, fighting for Furnifold’s economic well-being. Your listening tour idea is also great too, it presents you as a real man of the people.”
“Well thanks Jackson, that means a lot. I have another tough decision I need your input on.”
“Sir?”
“It was brought to my desk earlier. There was a plan to demolish the largest slum in Boonefield, Banokubana. It had hit a snag, but everything now looks ready to go. I’m nervous about pulling the trigger, so to speak, and approving it. The municipal leaders are looking for a way to fast-track it, and my approval will certainly do this.”
“Well, sir, we’ve been receiving aid from Kuthernburg to help with public housing, and you have been adamant about getting everyone in Furnifold a home, right?”
“Absolutely, Jackson.”
“Then, pull the trigger, get them to demolish Banokubana, but impress upon them that they must move the slum-dwellers into the best available housing, and provide transportation costs for them if it involves going across the country.”
“I don’t know, Jackson, forcible relocation sounds pretty awful.”
“It’s not forced though, it’s just that the alternative is no home. I think the people will take it, especially if you approach them as a friend.”
“Okay, you’re right Jackson, I’ll get the order in once we get back to McLendal. Jackson, I meant to tell you one more thing.”
“Yes, sir?”
“Remember in Luthernburg in September, when I took that hot air balloon for a brief ride?”
“Brief? Sir, you ditched your security detail and stayed up in that thing overnight. In terms of cleaning up your messes, that one was a full bathroom clog.”
“Semantics, Jackson, semantics. But what I wanted to say is that while I was up there, I experienced a catharsis of sorts. After raging against all my worldly troubles, I realized that I was but a passive observer in my own life. That was not a good feeling, but it was a necessary one to experience. So, after that point, I decided to approach my job with more passion, and to make our relationship as strong as possible.”
“I can tell, sir. There was a marked change after that point. Thank you for telling me this.”
“Absolutely, and thank you for telling me about your wife.”
“Sir, what is your ‘religion?’”
“Come again, Jackson?”
“Earlier, you impressed upon the importance of having something to believe so fervently to keep one grounded and humble. You called it a ‘religion.’ I don’t know you to be terribly religious, so I was wondering, what is yours?”
d’Arrigo stared at Woolf, and then turned around to look at the sun’s waning light with a barely audible ‘hmmm.’ It was not something he was prepared to answer. “You know what Jackson, let me think about it, and I will tell you before we leave Tokapa.”
“Certainly sir, take your time.”
Jackson Woolf turned away from him, gingerly sat down in his beach chair, and the two watched the flurry of activity around them, a world constantly moving, yet their bodies and minds as still as the sand that has sat on the beach for hundreds of years.