Page 88 of SoulFire
I take their joined hands and begin to wrap thevelracord around them, winding it down their forearms. As I do so, I continueto sing . . . only now, Ilsevel’s voice joins with mine in delicate harmony:“Now is the time of shelter,”we sing together.“Cold shall not enter your bones, for, to each other, you shall be warmth.”
Though our marriage ceremony is not traditionally performed this way, others, hearing theirmaelar’svoice, are emboldened to lift up their voices as well. They know the ancient words, after all, which are made new in the light of our liberated world:
“Let the fires join and be one flame,”they sing, a great chorus, mingling with the voices of the licorneir.“Let the bodies join and be one flesh.”
Sylcatha steps forward, offering a bowl ofruehnarink. I dip my fingers and proceed to inscribe the sacred runes, first on Halamar’s breast, then on my sister’s. “Now,” I say, “Halamarkareth Akkarhalathane, it is time. You must speak your troth to your bride. If your vows prove true, comesilmael,she will speak them back to you. Thus is the will of the Goddess.”
“The will of the Goddess,”the watching crowd intones in response.
So Halamar looks into Tassa’s eyes and speaks the ancient vow:
“With my faith will I honor you.
With my body will I protect you.
With my arms will I shelter you.
With my heart will I warm you.”
As the words fall from his tongue, I find my gaze seeking out Ilsevel’s. Halamar’s voice rings out clearly for all listeners, but I whisper the words for her alone, and watch her read them on my lips:
“From this day forth, my mouth, my lips, my tongue,
My every waking breath,
Are dedicated to your pleasure and delight.”
Tears glint in her dark eyes. But she lifts her chin proudly, even as her own lips silently form the final phrases in tandem with me: “Vel-sa almar. E luralma idor-hath.”
The truth is there between us. Whatever comes—life or death, beginnings and endings—this song of ours, mine and Ilsevel’s, will echo through eternity.
One life. One song. One vow. Forever and always.
So let it be.
THE END
