Gvgeyuhi

Dawali Amara · 01-30-2011, 09:19 AM

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ooc

I'm powerplaying, as you knew(?) I would. Doing the entire ceremony in one post, sort of, so you guys can get on with it without having to wait for me. Sorry for the long read - I hope you enjoy it!
I found some nice sites about various marriage traditions, and am picking the cutest ones. Will write one up for the site later, but I hope you like!

He wasn't entirely certain how to stand up straight. It was a strange feeling that struck him every time he took on this role of Chief in public. Sure, he was always the Chief, but not ceremoniously. He preferred a casual leader style as long as he could, and was used to the tribesmembers seeing him that way, as well. Suddenly he was extremely aware of his body language and pose, feeling every little movement and concluding that he probably looked stupid. Opening his mouth, the ceremoniously dressed male took a breath of air to calm himself, and Nayati entered. They had arranged the seating for quite a few visitors, and Dawali had been stressing out and pacing his hut for the past three days, fretting over the state of his ceremonial dress and minor details. In reality, he was not the one that needed to fret at all, since he was not the one going through a life-changing experience. But somehow he felt immensely important, and somehow he regretted that he had never claimed the Master Medic title. So modest, the old male, that he failed to realize that his work in that field had long since exceeded the requirements of a Master's mark. Had he claimed it, however, he could have worn a dress that was more appropriate for the situation, though Nayati and Sanuye were the only ones that would know that. Besides, Nayati wore nothing special, so why fuss? Still, it was very strange.

The male fussed but eventually settled as Liliana approached. It was plain to the red wolf that she had put much time into her appearance, as had Nayati; they both shone, and with an extra glow not explainable by their pelts, either. The two smiled, and Dawali waited until they lined up facing each other in front of him. They had both brought their ceremonial gifts, but this was not what he addressed first. Glancing at the both of them, Dawali removed a cloth covering a wooden tray on the pedestal between them, that held clean and fresh river water. He had gotten it only moments before he stood fussing and waited for their arrival, and it smelled of freshness and spring. "You will wash your hands three times each and the seventh time together, cleansing yourselves of evils and the memories of previous love.". Waiting as the couple washed their hands, the Chief said nothing, but glanced curiously at the spectators. It was strange to be a part of something, and then stand waiting. Once finished, the Chief covered the tray again with the cloth and proceeded. "You have brought gifts for each other as a promise for your life to come." His gaze was directed at Nayati. "Nayati Utina, you have brought your bride flesh that proves you can provide meat for your family." The Chief waited as the gift was given, then turning his gaze to Liliana. "Liliana Utina, you have brought your groom an ear of corn that proves you can provide bread for your family." It was strange to speak her name with Nayati's family name, though it fit. It all fit. He waited again - the exchanges did not take much time but the weight of it all, the impact of the ceremony, made everything longer and better. The Chief brought their hands together and produced a braid from the stand - it was in three colors; the white from Nayati's mane, the darkness of Liliana's pelt, and one red for their love. Tying it around their wrists, Dawali locked them together, using a stone to fasten it at the top of their joined hands. "This stone is the strength of your bond. It rests on top of your hands and holds you together." Finally, Dawali placed his own hands around theirs and recited the only real prayer he could remember from the wedding prayers. He mostly only remembered the ceremonies themselves, and not necessarily the words. This one, however, had stuck.

Now you will feel no rain
for each of you will be shelter for the other
Now there is no loneliness
Now you are two persons
but there is only one life before you
Go now to your dwelling to enter into the days of your life together
and may your days be good and long upon the earth

Releasing them, it was their turn to exit the town hall and approach the Great Fire to whisper to it their own prayers, personal vows and other thoughts - secret to all but the couple themselves. Standing by, Dawali simply smiled at them, finding nothing but joy in his heart. He could see, easily, that theirs was a future that was bright and strong. Whispering to himself, he quietly mouthed at their exiting backs. Wakan Tankan Nici Un.

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