"The Ballad of Artegal and Illiana's Wedding"

An Armsman and an Acolyte
Did wed one winter's day
In royal chapel where they went
Their solemn oaths to say.

The chapel was a beauteous sight,
With windows rainbow-hued.
The sun shone in -- the room was with
Tranquility imbued.

Fine tapestries hung on the walls
Depicting sunlit scenes
Of flowers, oak trees, orchard paths
In yellows, blues, and greens.

The Priestess stood before the guests --
Tall, gentle, velvet-gowned.
Her honeyed eyes with kindness shone,
Her hair with braids was crowned.

Then came the lovely Acolyte --
Sweet Illiana, bride.
She walked up to the altar with
A graceful, solemn stride ...

So small and fair, like candlelight,
In flowing gown of green --
Her chestnut hair enwreathed with flow'rs
So fresh and bright and clean.

Then Artegal walked to her side --
Her handsome Armsman groom --
Clad proudly in fine winter gray,
So stalwart in that room.

Before the altar, laid with cloth
Of white, they both did stand.
They gazed into each other's eyes
And took each other's hand.

The Armsman offered to his bride
A token for her heart --
A knotted ring, which he did hold
While he did speak his part:

He pledged his heart, his kindness, love --
He promised to be true --
He offered shelter from life's trials
And warm acceptance, too.

Then Illiana did accept
His ring, which she did wear ...
Accepted too his pledge, his heart,
To bind her to him e'er.

But Illiana too did have
A love gift of her own --
A handkerchief, embroidered and
Made from her favorite gown.

She offered this up to her groom
And spoke her solemn vow ...
Her words the same as Artegal's,
But spoke with her voice now:

She pledged her heart, her kindness, love --
She promised to be true --
She offered shelter from life's trials
And warm acceptance, too.

Strong Artegal took with great joy
The gift his bride had made,
Thus taking too her heart, her pledge --
A bond to never fade.

Then soft, warm breezes touched our cheeks --
The Priestess took in hand
A bunch of ribbons, rainbow-hued
And braided in a band.

She tied their hands together, said
'I tie you, heart to heart,'
That they would be together now
As one, and ne'er apart.

Then turned she to the three who stood
Beside her in that room:
The Heart-Keepers requested by
The loving bride and groom.

The Corporal Philo, Anabeth
And Viola were there ...
The Priestess was the fourth herself --
All stood their pledge to swear.

These four did vow, as trusted friends,
The marriage to support,
In times of trouble to provide
Their love as harbor's port.

The Priestess prayed a moment, and
So waited all of we.
Then smiled she soft, 'The balance holds.'
And finished, 'It shall be.'

She offered then red wine and bread --
Their first meal they did share
As man and wife, as two and one,
To bless their union there.

When they had done, the Priestess prayed ...
A scented breeze swept through ...
And when the scent of lilies went,
The ribboned knot went too.

The Priestess then with gentle smile
Presented to us all
Sweet Lhadra Illiana and
Her Lhadro Artegal.

Then all did clap their hands with joy --
The Armsman sang a song --
Hugs were exchanged and tears were wept
Among the happy throng.

The celebration, dancing, toasts
Continued all that night ...
And many gathered, honored to
Share in a love so right.

So think you, when you think of love
That's rare and strong and true
About this joyful wedding and
These happy, happy two.

And wish them luck, and wish them health,
And wish them a sweet life,
And wish them all the joy that's due
A husband and a wife.

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