[closed] you cannot have me, I own myself

[eolasemah]

WHO: Sina, Nari, Beleth, Korrin, Araceli, Thranduil, others as specified in Notes
WHAT: The bonding ceremony of the Firsts of Clans Dahlasanor and Ashara (Siuona and Sorrellean, respectively)
WHEN: mid-Bloomingtide
WHERE: the Planasene Forest
NOTES: Usually only Dalish would be allowed, but amnesty is being granted to close, trusted friends of the bride, including outclan Ashara and Sabrae, should they choose to accept it. Upon the insistence of Clan Dahlasanor, unaffiliated city elves will also be welcomed as long as they aren't disruptive. (OOC note: if you're unsure and your dude wants to go, PM me)

[DON'T TAG THIS I'm deleting it as soon as people who have already tagged can copy out their responses.

If you would like the log's new location, please go here.]

Comments

PREPARATION

[eolasemah]

[Help out! Say hi to your family! Get yelled at by Keepers! Stand around being nervous because you're surrounded by unfriendly elves with bows! Why is that blonde elf with half her face tattooed looking at you like she's about to eat you alive? Stay alive!]

get fancy

[nadasharillen]

It is a truth universally accepted that Nymii had the nimblest fingers in Dahlasanor. Every year, around this time, Sedi would show up with her hair in intricate braids, sometimes with a little flower tucked in somewhere that the dour hunter pretended not to notice. It was therefore only a small surprise when the thief showed up with a bright smile, her hands full of several different flowering vines, their fragrance delicate and sweet. No doubt there was a trellis in Hightown somewhere that had been ...'trimmed'.

It was a genuine surprise when she offered them to Sina to choose from. No matter how anyone else asked or begged to have their hair put up for this or that, Nymii would only smile and shrug. As far as anyone knew, she'd not touched anyone else's hair--save Sedi's--since joining the clan.

"I like the white lilac," she said conversationally, as if this were a completely banal occurrence, "but it's your bonding ceremony, so--"

CEREMONY

[eolasemah]

(thank u mica)

The ceremony is an old one, as the Dalish count these things. It's mostly in elven, words repeated very nearly by rote, well-worn and fondly remembered by all those who have found lasting love, in Clan Ashara at least.

Let the Creators witness those who are gathered here today, in the light of love...

Storied as the tradition is, it is also simple. Sorrel and Sina stand, hands clasped, before a carefully tended fire, with the Keepers in attendance. Deheune places a hand, first on her son's shoulder, and then on Sina's, and smiles all through the traditional prayer. Thalia's smile is fierce and proud as she seals their joined hands with a rope intricately woven, made from white halla-hair, and anter-carved beads. The blessing is said, over this, the physical embodiment of their union, and the union of purpose between their clans. Each of the pair is asked, and confirms their own vow, their dedication to that which now binds them, more than mere corded fibers: the hopes and futures of their now-mutual clans.

...As in the past, now for our future, let us pass together down the long road. Let our legacy here be born, in solemn vows, joyfully undertaken...

Finally, the happy couple turns to the crowd, smiling, flush with pride. Sunset and firelight combine to light their faces golden, and give everything a soft, dreamlike air. Quiet rushes over the assembled clans like wind though grass. Here is the moment, the great climax, when the blessings and vows and prayers all punctuate themselves in action. The Dalish are a people of their gods, yes, but always first they are a people of actions weighed before words are believed. Together, hands still bound, Sorrel and Sina, each crowned in flowers and trailing petals, leap the bonfire and land among the raucous, wild cheering of the elven gathering. It is with that signal that the real party begins, to much backslapping and congratulations. Within a few minutes, someone will quietly cut the tie, so that the knot put there by the Keepers' blessing should never be untied, and the two young newlyweds will join the festivities, but for now... For now, they are among friends, hand-in-hand, and forever after in spirit, if not in body.

...And so The People live on.

PARTY

[eolasemah]

[The post-bonding party for most clans lasts about two days and is absolutely nuts. It's elf Burning Man, complete with bare feet, things being smoked, and probably weird sex. Get your freak on, just don't piss off the Keepers. Or the hunters. Or the halla. Please do not get anyone pregnant. If you get pregnant that's your problem.]

[gatheringstorm]

[Any concerns Korrin has about the party not living up to its name are soon banished. The raucous celebration is something to rival even the Tal-Vashoth bashes she's attended in times past. (Well, maraas-lok aside. It's better for all involved that she didn't bring any.) It doesn't take much for the Vashoth woman to get involved, dancing and drinking with whoever wants to join her. Wallflowers get extra attention and encouragement, at least if she knows them and they're comfortable with it. Unless their hooch is unusually strong to qunari levels, she'll remain lucid enough not to accidentally bruise smaller folk. In fact, if some need her as transport, Korrin will readily offer to ensure that those enjoying themselves at least wake up to the inevitable hangover somewhere comfortable.]

MISC TOPLEVELS

[eolasemah]

[Feel free to do an open for your dude if none of these scenarios fits!]