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"Love Will be Our Home"
Date: June 19, 1999  Temple - Korallion - Haven: Mari, Naiadre, and Nadia step through the illuminated opening into the darkened temple. Nadia moves in slowly, and smiles broadly at the arrangements. Naiadre enters, moving hastily and looking faintly harried and apologetic as she makes her way towards Jasmine. *Pasiphae's Blessings,* she broadcasts to all. Mari takes up a spot in the back of the room before her eyes spot her targets. Telepathically to Jasmine and Okalani, Mari says, *Deepest apologies, Mother, Jasmine. Akoni was called away. Something with his parents. I'm sorry, but he probably won't be here.* Jasmine stands quietly beside Naiadre next to the altar. A shimmer of excitement fills the air, and the young woman's eyes shine brightly, though her face takes on a disappointed sheen at Mari's words and as she realizes how few of her friends were able to attend. In her hands is clutched a small wooden carving. Her eyes flit over the few guests, smiling to each one. Nadia moves closer towards Jasmine and smiles warmly to her. *May this day be blessed for all in Haven and Aether to see.* Naiadre smiles at Nadia, her jade eyes skipping to the nervous bride-to-be next to her. After delivering her message, Mari steps back into the shadows, out of the way. The usual quiet atmosphere in the temple has made place for the hustle and bustle in silence which a crowd of people brings here. All Pasiphaeans are gathered for this joyful ceremony, mingling with the people so that they will be able to explain some parts to the ignorant. Through the ceiling, the silver light of the rising moon falls on the floor, illuminating the altar which Jasmine and Naiadre stand in front of and the High Priestess beneath. Like the other members of her order, Okalani has chosen to wear her official clothes, a long, ceremonial robe whose round collar surrounds her slender neck in which her colorful gills are spread wide open due to the recent bath in the waves she took. A large hat from which a veil descends over the extensive jewelry in her hairs is placed upon her head. She nods and smiles to each who greets her but nothing is said so far, eyes on the doorsteps, waiting for the groom. Telepathically to Naiadre and Nadia, Jasmine smiles. She's not particularly nervous, just disappointed that no one else could come. *Thank you, and blessings.* Koralland steps through the illuminated opening into the darkened temple. Telepathically to Naiadre and Jasmine, Nadia says, *You are welcome, my sister.* The night sky shines behind Koralland as he enters through the crescent entrance to the temple. A pause holds the ambassador at the door a moment in a moment of reverent observation of the moon goddess. A proud smile lights his face as his begins the careful steps moving him towards the altar. The quiet whisper of silk can be heard as Koralland walks through the chamber. Ice blue eyes troll the room until they find Jasmine. The groom is followed by a single retainer carrying two boxes, the retainer is dressed in a formal Amarisian Guard's uniform. The pair reach the altar to Pasiphae, the retainer kneels and Koralland removes the first box. The Prince places this upon the altar as he kneels as well. "My gift to the Goddess." The top of the box is removed and a finely crafted crystal ship is removed and placed down by the box. Telepathically to Jasmine, Naiadre spins out a comforting tendril of blue and green and squeezes your hand. *You look beautiful, my friend. I wish you the very best of everything. I hope you will be happy.* Telepathically to Naiadre, Jasmine's excitement builds as her soon-to-be-husband enters the temple, disappointment fading for now. *Thank you. I know I will be very happy.* Weasel steps through the illuminated opening into the darkened temple. The brief pause Koralland takes allows the unseen puppeteers of the temple to change the patterns of the roof. The sound of moving stone and coral can be heard and a single beam of moonlight falls upon the ambassador, illuminating his personal figure. The silver light follows him on his journey to the altar. The faint rumble of waves rolling against stone ends in a crescendo the closer he gets and then falls away so that his words can be heard by all. The High Priestess, Okalani, steps forward into the moonlight and places her hands upon the crystal ship. "A fitting gift for Pasiphae's blessing. What is the answer of the one which is given in exchange?" Blue eyes fall upon Jasmine. Nadia simply watches, her eyes wide. Jasmine smiles broadly, nodding. "I give my gift as well, with all my heart." She glances at Koralland almost shyly. Holding the carving in her hands, she moves up to the altar, placing it there beside the crystal ship. The carving is of three dolphins in a ring, playing. Her hand lingers over it for a moment, showing the affection in which she holds the carving. Perhaps not a rich gift, but one with deep meaning. Her dress shimmers in the moonlight as she moves back to her place. The words uttered are always spoken for the benefit of those who don't have the ability to use mind-speech. But that more private way of communication is used. Mari remains in the shadows in the back, watching the ceremony with a smile on her face. Naiadre twines her hands before her, watching the ceremony unfold with a soft smile. A bit surprised he got past the guards at all, despite his invitation, the short mongrel man stays in the back of the temple, content for once to watch. Violet steps through the illuminated opening into the darkened temple. A glance is spared to Naiadre to see whether the one who officially oversees Pasiphae's Ward will stop Jasmine from placing the gift upon the altar. Nothing is said so Okalani flashes her assistant a brief smile before she places her hands upon the craft. "This gift too is fitting in exchange for Pasiphae's blessing." Her right hand is now placed upon the crystal ship and she looks the wedding couple deep in the eyes. Telepathically and vocally, her tone becomes softer but at the same time more formal. "Now, to prove to Pasiphae that you truly wish to join each other under the Light of She who shines on all, open your minds for me." Koralland watches the actions of his bride and the High Priestess. A look is given to Jasmine's gift, showing just how much he knows it means to her. He nods at Okalani's request and releases his thoughts to the High Priestess. He remains calm during the probing in preparation for the union with his beloved; none who know the ambassador would doubt his feelings for Jasmine. Jasmine is open to the mind-link, allowing whatever depth the priestess and her beloved wish to explore. Clear in her mind is her love as well as her intent to do anything she can to make Koralland happy and to fulfill his needs no matter what they are. Mari glances across at the small mongrel nearby, looking him over curiously. Peek-a-boo, I see you... Into the temple tiptoes a small form clad in the formal colors of the Gem Inn staff, the blonde locks and violet eyes of the Mongrel lass offset by the wines and blueberries of her clothing. In Violet's arms is an oversized basket, food-scents near billowing from it. Seafoods, lobster, clams, fish, seaweeds and an assortment of other tasty treats. She'll just wait here, at the edge of all that's happening, big eyes near a'bulgin' in their sockets as she gazes around. Weasel also happens to be glancing around. His attention is of course on the ceremony, but there is much he is unable to perceive, and plus, he's got two good eyes, no need to waste one. Telepathically to Jasmine, Okalani's thoughts are calm and secure, telling Jasmine to relax while she enters in the depths of her ward's mind. To ensure she is not going to drift away in places she has no business she only uses keywords so that she can follow the path Jasmine's mind will take when she feels them: 'love,' 'devotion,' 'Koralland,' 'marriage.' Telepathically to Okalani, Jasmine's thoughts are steady and clear, echoing the same thoughts back to her Teacher. Warmth, love, caring, desire to please and to ease the other's mind and spirit when weary. Teamwork. Family. Naiadre explains quietly to the others, especially the non-Atlanteans in the crowd, "The high priestess is now searching their minds, to make sure there is no deception there, and that both Koralland and Jasmine are ready and committed to this." Mari glances back toward the ceremony, making mental notes, it would seem. Although the smells wafting from that basket are certainly distracting. Ears nearly visibly perking at Naiadre's explanation, the petite blonde Mongrel girl, Violet, soon returns to her previous occupation... staring around the temple. Prettypretty. A moment of complete silence follows as the High Priestess uses a way of communication with the couple which leaves no room for words, only for thoughts and emotions. Finally, she nods, satisfied with what she finds. "Your minds are pure and confident, filled with the love for each other." Such a low means of expressing how these people feel when compared to the much deeper way she expresses to those who can hear. Okalani's hands are now placed upon the altar itself and eyes lift to the ceiling which opens further, allowing more moonlight to stream in, now also on the guests gathered in the praying area. "We will reach out for Pasiphae now, asking for her love and guidance for these young people on their life together. Please join us." Her hands are now extended to the couple, inviting them to take hers and each other's to form a circle of three. The hands of the Koralland link with Okalani and Jasmine slowly during the prayer, he speaks no words but Atlanteans could notice the pureness of his prayers if not their content as he joins with Okalani, his ice blue eyes rise to meet the ceiling but a moment as the prayers continue. Then they briefly gaze at his bride with love that is well apparent without telepathy. A smile crosses his lips that had become straightened for a bit. Jasmine steps forward, reaching eagerly for both Koralland's hand and Okalani's. Her eyes stray to Koralland before tipping her head downward and closing her eyes. She squeezes the hands enclosed in hers, her manner almost shy, which is so uncharacteristic for this very open-hearted woman. Mari drops to her knees for the prayer, bowing her head. Telepathically to Mari, Jasmine, Koralland, and Weasel, Okalani says, *For those who wish to join, blessed with this gift or not, links are formed so that they may join in what could best be called 'a union of joined thoughts.' Most only express their desire and interest while the High Priestess uses images and the processes of thought, directing them through the ceiling at the Moon above, asking for the couple's blessing, reaching for a light which may or may not be there.* As her prayers intensify, a look of peace comes over Mari's face, and she too begins to look toward the sky. Weasel has never experienced telepathy before, and therefore is at first a little surprised. However, he kneels, losing the moment when everyone else was as tall as him, and waits, trying to looks as if he fit in here. Not really being familiar much with Pasiphae, Jasmine simply lets her mind flow with Okalani's thoughts as she stands there. Her mind is equally distracted, however, by the presence of the man at her side. Koralland's thoughts are on the prayer and on his dear Jasmine. He basks in the union of the prayer, no worded thought -- only images of his beautiful soon-to-be wife are offered, many of them in her current state but some of her with other outfits and places. In this prayer people join, wishing to express their hopes and desire for the couple and their future joined lives to the Goddess. When it finally comes to an end and people return to the here and now, more than a few Pasiphae worshippers leave the union with disappointment, for it is so easy to believe there is something more in such a state. The High Priestess still holds the hands of Jasmine and Koralland and she gently guides their minds to one another so that each will learn about the other. "A marriage is a union of two souls who wish to share their lives together and take care of each other. Pasiphae has given us the means of being sure about one another's mind and so Koralland and Jasmine will now learn things about the other which no one else will ever know. Perhaps even they themselves do not know as much about their own mind as the other is about to learn...." Her ominous tone comes to an end and she looks at the two young people. Naiadre speaks up now that the three main characters are otherwise involved, "If they still wish to be joined in holy matrimony, each will offer the other something as a symbol of providing life and care for each other. During this time any of those assembled here who feel they should not do such may come forward and speak up." She looks around the room in expectation, hoping there will be none. Watching Okalani as she speaks the words of the of the ritual, Koralland turns to Jasmine when Okalani finishes the speech. His blue eyes look to hers as the link is created between the two. His hand rises, absently touching her hair. Telepathically to Jasmine and Okalani, Koralland opens his mind to his bride's questions and wishes. Telepathically to Okalani and Koralland, Jasmine has few secrets to keep, and of those Koralland has already been shown most of them, if not all. Their discussion a few nights before revealed her deepest fears, and he soothed them. She stands there, uncertain of what else to share that she has not already. Telepathically to Koralland, Jasmine says, *Beloved, I do not know what to share. You know all of me.* Jasmine has eyes only for her groom. Her eyes dance, sparkling in the light as she stares at him with such intensity as rarely seen by non-Atlanteans, non-telepaths. Telepathically to Jasmine, Koralland says, *As my thoughts have always been yours, this union is for Pasiphae and those who would watch.* Telepathically to Koralland, Jasmine smiles. *Then we need not worry. We have shared all there is to know?* Telepathically to Jasmine and Koralland, Okalani senses Jasmine's uncertainty and tries to interfere, *Search his soul, do not let formed thoughts interfere... only sense that what is his soul, the good and the bad.* Telepathically to Okalani and Koralland, Jasmine lays open her own soul, if there is anything present which has not yet come to the light, and searches her beloved's with more surety, less shyness. Telepathically from Jasmine, Koralland senses only the openness and sensitivity that she has always shown, and can see that it goes to the core of her being. It is her total being. Telepathically from Koralland, Jasmine senses: If their are any dark thoughts in Koralland, they are already know to be directed at Kuronbo; not hatred but a feeling he is wrong and should be removed. Telepathically to Koralland, Jasmine nods, her own feelings of unease about Kuronbo surfacing as well. And then as she thinks of this, another-Dellar. Accompanying the images of Dellar is a sense of being threatened. The temple and the people in it are ignored, maybe forgotten as Okalani concentrates upon the two people in front of her. She watches over them, making sure that should they become afraid of what they might find, the link will easily be dissolved. Telepathically from Jasmine, Okalani would be able to sense only a deepening of the bond between Jasmine and Koralland, and a sense of satisfaction and agreement on Jasmine's part with what she finds. Telepathically to Jasmine and Okalani, Koralland is comfortable with the close link and that he is pleased with thoughts of his love. Mari watches with rapt attention, anticipation filling the air of the temple as the Atlanteans gathered wait for the outcome of the deep sharing. Another important, maybe the one which is the most fulfilling for those involved, part of the ceremony has been completed as Okalani releases the hands of the couple, placing theirs now upon the gifts lying upon the altar. A bejeweled old man appears, carrying a tray on which various tools can be found. From it she takes a hammer and hands it to Jasmine. Koralland is given a saw with sharp teeth. Jasmine takes the hammer in her hand with a relaxed smile and steps forward to the altar. With a quick glance at her beloved, she turns back to the altar. She brings the hammer down upon the crystal ship, sending shards scattering across the altar and some to the floor. She then turns to watch Koralland. For a couple as truly in love as Jasmine and Koralland, the value of his gift is less than hers, but it is the way of the ceremony that he give a gift of monetary worth. For him, it far harder to destroy an item of value to her. Still, he follows through to seal her gift to the goddess; taking the saw, he moves it across her gift, severing it in two and in quarters. Altair steps through the illuminated opening into the darkened temple. Jasmine watches as the dolphins are destroyed. It is difficult to watch it, but such is the depth of her love, that she sacrifices even this precious carving, given to her by a friend. Appropriate sacrifices, both, thinks Mari as she watches their destruction on the altar. Altair carefully, quietly steps into the Temple of Pasiphae. Damn it all if he isn't late again. Such is the life of a Hound these days. His helmet held at his side, his armor cleaned and polished where necessary, he tries to set his long hair back into place before stepping in any deeper. A personal item for the carefree-living third class Atlanteans and a monetary, valuable gift for the wealthy first-class, appropriate sacrifices indeed. Once each object is thoroughly destroyed by the wedding couple, the High Priestess speaks up, addressing the two in front of her as well as those sitting in the temple. "You have allowed each other to destroy your part. You are no longer Delphine Jasmine and Amaris Koralland. Yet at the same time, that is all what you are." There is an increasing sound of waves rolling against the wall behind the altar as the ceiling is once again manipulated so that the temple would be filled with darkness, but for two beams of light around the separate forms of Jasmine and Koralland. The waving decreases and now Okalani speaks again, "Alone you are now, adrift..." Jasmine stands silently in the beam of light, wanting to reach out for Koralland's hands but not certain if this is appropriate. She has been alone too long. It is no longer time to be alone. The groom, too, wishes to touch his bride again, but the ceremony is not yet concluded, so Koralland awaits the next stage with a comforting smile in the direction of his beloved. The light does not bother him, as perhaps he only sees it on Jasmine. The silence of expectation fills the temple as people wait for the High Priestess to say something, anything, to solve this problem. In a society with the ability to be so close with one another, being alone and adrift is a threatening concept to most. When Okalani's soft-spoken voice finally breaks the silence, the tension in the air, even though the question is remarkably kind, without the stern formality expressed earlier. "Jasmine and Koralland, you have come here to form a new union in the Atlantean community. This union will give you both joy and responsibilities. You will not only be together but also belong to one another, take care of each other and of the children you may have. Do you wish to undertake this... together?" There is a sound of moving tiles and a broader ray of moonlight now illuminates the couple and their surroundings. Jasmine smiles brightly and nods. "Oh yes, Teacher," she says almost breathlessly. "I do." One hand instinctively reaches out toward Koralland, her eyes never leaving him. Altair takes a seat near the back of the proceedings, looking rather sheepish at being late. A smile is upon his face, however, as he watches. Koralland nods as he looks happily to his very soon-to-be wife, "Yes, I happily do," he says without turning from Jasmine. His face glows with joy as the words are uttered. His hand starts but stops in reaching for Jasmine. Naiadre steps forward, handing Jasmine a bowl in which a little octopus swims. Yum, delicacy. Jasmine blushes as she realizes she'd forgotten the exchange of food came next. She smiles, taking the octopus from the bowl and handing it to Koralland. As Koralland takes the octopus, allowing the doomed creature to do the holding on for the moment, he turns to the second box his retainer carries and extracts a lively-looking lobster, its antennae wiggling wildly as he carefully offers the fresh delight to his bride. At the exchange of food, symbolic for the couple that they will take care of one another and are capable to do such, the priest comes forth once again with his tray. This time, Okalani picks up something for Koralland which can best be described as an ice pick thing. Altair tilts his head in curiosity as he watches the animals being exchanged. Why are they doing this? Seafood. *gulp* That's right, silly. No fire underwater, thus they cannot bake bread to break. Try saying that three times fast. He grimaces a little at the idea of raw food, especially when it's still alive, but this is an Atlantean ceremony. He watches, quietly. Mari looks on hungrily at the sight of the live delicacies. Her stomach rumbles. That looks delicious. Jasmine smiles at the sight of the lobster, making a quick motion which snaps the creature's neck. Peeling back part of the shell, she bites into the raw flesh, taking a large bite. Siodina steps through the illuminated opening into the darkened temple. Siodina sneaks into the very back of the Temple, making herself small so that she won't disturb anyone that way. She's late as it is, best not be noticed till it's over. Lifting the octopus high above his mouth, Koralland takes a bit of the tentacle in a quick bite. Mercifully, the healer quickly renders his meal immobile for easier eating and to reduce its pain as he hungrily accepts his gift. Fresh food, goodie. Altair watches Jasmine snap the neck, if you can call it that, of the lobster. He averts his eyes, before giving his head a good shake. Come on, Altair. You can handle it. It's just a lobster for cripes sake. You've run more soldiers through with your sword than Carter has little liver pills. He glances back to Jasmine, giving his head one more good shake. That was, even in the name of marriage and a meal, still a rather vicious way to kill an animal. At least he didn't suffer. Altair is not the only person in the crowd whose stomach acts up at the sight of the two youngsters eating two live animals. Even some of the Atlantean children don't like this sight. Naiadre stands by, thinking of the nice sushi stand in the Rialto. Siodina peers from her place in a corner of the back. She blinks several times at the snapping and crunching going on, then crinkles her nose as the tentacle is bitten. She's never had actual sea-food and so it looks a bit strange to her, but then... a lot of things do until she's been told why... or what it's being done for. She stays silent, happy eyes glancing from the animals and to Jasmine, her friend. She looks so pretty. And friend, Altair. He looks kinda green. She can sympathize right now. The High Priestess watches the eating of the animals with dispassionate eyes; she has performed many weddings since the one of her father and has become quite used to this sight. Still she does notice that quite a few guests become green around the nose and so she is glad when the couple has finally finished. "Then," she reaches out with her hands to the other two as earlier, "I will now bestow Pasiphae's blessing upon you and your marriage." Cloths are brought to the bride and groom so that they may wash off before taking the hand of the priestess and their beloved. Jasmine smiles, reaching out to both after washing off. The meal of offering complete, Koralland takes the towel offered and the new cloak. He wipes his hands and links hands with Okalani and Jasmine. His eyes stay focused on his new bride. Once the hands of the couple are clean, Okalani gladly takes their hands and smiles at them, crossing her arms over each other to present Jasmine's second hand to Koralland's and vice versa. "Take care of each other and may Pasiphae watch over you." Jasmine smiles, radiant in love as she takes the second hand, her eyes only on Koralland. Telepathically to Jasmine and Koralland, Okalani's thoughts are filled with happiness and joy and also love, now that she has the chance to join these two beloved friends in matrimony. Altair watches, the meal over, smiling warmly at the newlyweds. "Thank you, High Priestess." Koralland says, inclining his head respectfully a moment before returning his focus to Jasmine. He takes a deep breath as he swells with pride at his new wife. Then he kisses her softly on the lips. Jasmine closes her eyes, lifting her face up to Koralland as her arms slip around his waist, hugging him tightly to her. Siodina grins wide as the new hubby leans in to kiss the new bride. He sure is cute. I'm so glad she's happy, her face seems to say. Her eyes remain on both, glancing every so often to Altair. At the kissing scene, Okalani smiles and then discreetly steps away from the altar, backwards, a silent sigh that the ceremonial part is over and that, in the Korallion, the reception and party may start. Well, one more thing, actually. A group of women take out shells, signaling to Naiadre. Naia, in turn, places a hand on Jasmine's shoulder in signal. "One last thing," Naia says to the gathering crowd. "Since the groom's gift to the bride was her voice, the bride's gift is a song with her new voice." Jasmine holds onto Koralland's hand as the music begins. A group of three young women sit nearby, blowing on shells. The sounds are deep and rich,
striking a chord within the listeners, as they accompany the song that the bride and her
bridesmaid sing in perfect duet. Naiadre's lilting soprano weaves the melody as Jasmine's quieter
alto harmonizes. "If home is really where the heart is,
The shells take up an interlude of their own before the duet begins again in a higher key.
Now the two singers switch parts, Naia's voice falls in counter-harmony to Jasmine's rich voice,
which rises to a soprano. "With love, our hearts can be a family. The voices rise at the very end of the song, coming together at the end in complete harmony. They fade away slowly, like the last echoes of the sun at dusk.
FIN
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