(This is the only fully accidental marriage in Elanthian history, so far as I know.  None were present to witness, but the both of us simply knew that it was right, in a way we could not deny even had we wished-- the Lady Rose's blessing, I believe.  In time, we hope to be married before the community and the Arkati as well... but this will remain the hour when we were wed.  --Tanager.)

[House Aspis, Grand Hall]
Polished maplewood floors sweep forward dramatically in this spacious formal dining area.  It is a gathering place House members use upon formal occasions.  Nearly spanning the length of the room is a polished table made of inlaid dir wood.  A smaller table sits joined to it at one end, reserved for Aspis officers and their distinguished guests.  To the west, a short hall leads to kitchens.  You also see some double doors and a podium.
Obvious exits: none.
Tolwynn followed.

You invite Tolwynn to dance with you.
You smile at Tolwynn.

You see Lord Tolwynn Verethundi the Human Elementalist.
He appears to be in his 60's, has long, braided black hair, grey eyes, and fair skin.
He has a long black ponytail.
He has an old battle scar across his abdominal area, developed slurred speech, and several painful-looking scars across his chest.
He is wearing a carved shell Niima symbol, a silver and sable leather pouch secured with a thin mithril-link chain, a blackened steel chart case, a large storm grey backpack fringed with eagle feathers, a crystal amulet, an ivory-inlaid copper circlet, a weathered veniom-edged longcoat, some storm grey zorchar-plated armor, a mithril alloy mesh lootbag, a veniom-bound blackened glaes buckler, some knee-high veniom-stitched boots, some cuffed ash grey pants, a silvery Charl medallion, a gold ring, a gold engagement ring, some storm grey mithril bracers, and a silvery green leather sack.

Tolwynn grins at you.

You say, "Thought it was more cozy than Silvergate."

Tolwynn says, "Er.. spose at that."

You say, "Especially if... oh, wait, I've misplaced my candles."

Tolwynn smiles at you.

You say, "Torn between finding them and not..."
You say, "...the hour says not."

Tolwynn nods to you.
Tolwynn says, "I'll stay close so ya dun lose track in th dim, then."

You smile at Tolwynn.

Tolwynn winks at you.

You say, "Oh... good."

You draw Tolwynn closer into your arms in a slow, romantic dance.

Tolwynn gazes fondly at you.

You say, "...and would hate to accidentally turn an ankle on your rug... and hate more if you did."
You say, "Easier to dance on a floor designed for it."
You wink at Tolwynn.

Tolwynn nods to you.

You lay your head on Tolwynn's shoulder as you dance.

Tolwynn says, "Ah, Tan.."

You gaze fondly at Tolwynn.

Tolwynn smiles softly.
Tolwynn draws you closer into his arms in a slow, romantic dance.

You say, "Besides."
You say, "I can actually see you, here."
You wink at Tolwynn.

Tolwynn asks, "Oh?"

You say, "...and experience suggests we won't see a thing of each other with all the moving people on the dance floor two nights hence."
You say, "...well... almost."
You say, "...I'm afraid you shine to my eyes, like the moon reflecting off the water, and I'd never fully miss you."
You gaze fondly at Tolwynn.
You say, "...or the sunlight first brushing over the edges of a cloud, turning all to silver warmth."

Tolwynn says, "An ya shine like th bricht star above, that guides th ships asea."
Tolwynn gazes fondly at you.

You dance lightly across the dance floor with Tolwynn.

Tolwynn says, "An th glimmerin beacon what shines through th dark, wi promise a nearness a home."

You sing:

    "When the sun dances over the water,
     There stars shine, though no stars grace on high--
     When night falls, starlight drowns in the ocean,
     But the stars glitter on in the sky...."

Tanager smiles softly at you.
You say, "...that one's old, from when I wondered if I'd lose you, all things wrapping together."

Tolwynn smiles faintly.

You say, "But if you can see me in the darkness, I'll shine with the brightest light I can, and try to fill your vision with all the love I can."

You kiss Tolwynn.
You lay your head on Tolwynn's shoulder as you dance.

Tolwynn smiles at you.

You slowly pace to your left, moving in a circle around Tolwynn.
You clasp Tolwynn's hand tenderly.
You snuggle up to Tolwynn and rest your head on his shoulder.
You kiss Tolwynn softly on the neck.

Tolwynn says, "That an singin fer th askin.. nothin more one might.."

You lay your head on Tolwynn's shoulder as you dance.

Tolwynn shivers.

You ask, "...nothing more one might...?"

Tolwynn says, "might ask on.."
Tolwynn closes his eyes for a moment.

You ask, "Truly?"
(Tanager gazes at you quietly.)

Tolwynn says, "Truly, Tan."
Tolwynn stands in front of you.
Tolwynn just kissed you on the mouth.

You blink.
You shiver.
You lean on Tolwynn.
You tilt your head back.

Tolwynn leans his head down to touch his cheek to your own as you dance.

You say, "I'd ask you to marry me, but I'm afraid I've done it already...."
You say, "...cheating to ask it twice."
You gaze fondly at Tolwynn.

Tolwynn says, "Ah, you'd still be at one less than I've done."

You chuckle.

Tolwynn just kissed you.

You kiss Tolwynn.
You say, "Well, in that case."

Tolwynn says, "Though ifn ya ask agin.."

(Tanager releases you and steps back.)

Tolwynn smiles faintly.

You take a few steps back.
You ask, "Then... what?"
You cock your head at Tolwynn.

Tolwynn says, "I'll be compelled ta ask ya ta sing on yer fire agin after."
Tolwynn winks at you.

You chuckle.
You say, "Well.  The advantage of being dressed for combat."

You are wearing a pair of golden ankle boots, a silk-lined suede satchel embroidered with colorful butterflies, a silken garnet-hued bag, a salamander skin pouch, a
gold-trimmed tawny silk skirt, a diamond engagement ring, an intricate silver link bracelet, some storm grey casting leathers, a woven wheat lover's knot, a sterling masque pin, a raven black leather lysard case, a glimmering eahnor flute pin studded with dragon's-tear diamonds, a flame-hued watered silk cloak, a fluted golden-scaled lizard, a crystal amulet, a painted lady butterfly amulet and a velvety deep yellow rose.

Tolwynn cocks his head.

You remove a gilded firebird-etched longsword from in your watered silk cloak.

You determine the current state of the firebird-etched longsword to be at 100% integrity.
The flamboyant shapes of firebirds courting on the wing twine up the graceful blade of this longsword.  Each avian form has been etched into the steel with such exquisite care that each quill and every vane are visible on every long plume.  A knot of scarlet and silver ribbons flutters from the hilt to lend a touch of proud color.  You also notice a small enchanter's mark.

(Tanager draws herself to her full height of five-feet perhaps-one-inch and gazes imperiously at you, letting the blade rest in her hand, point down.)

You say, "I am Tanager Skydancing, of the family CorFine, accorded a Lady and a wizard of skill."
You say, "I wield flame with my magics and hearts with my song...."
You say, "And I come to you in strength, here, and I look upon you...."

(Tanager straightens her back even a bit more.)

You say, "And I say to you, as a noble would say...."
You say, "...that I have found none fairer, nor kinder, nor more generous, nor more loving to me in all of Elanthia."

(Tanager breaks into the ceremonial speech to add, "well... some nobles.")

Tolwynn smiles despite himself.

You say, "And I offer you myself, and all that is mine, and claim in return only yours, and all you have to give."

(Tanager gazes at you solemnly.)

You kneel down.

(Tolwynn draws in his breath.)

(Tanager lays her longsword horizontally across the ground in front of herself.)

You drop a gilded firebird-etched longsword.
You tilt your head back.

You say, "I come to you in strength, and I set it aside."
You say, "I come to you in pride, and I relinquish it."
You say, "I come to you in wealth, yet I could have no greater treasure than your love."
You say, "I come to you in glory, yet there is no greater glory to me save your simple respect."
You say, "I come to you, Lord Tolwynn Verethundi, of storm and sea and Jurastead, and I say to you...."
You say, "I love you."
You ask, "Will you do me the honor of taking me to be your bride, as I take you to be my husband, and living with me forevermore?"
You ask, "Two hearts as one, two hands as one, the flame and the sea combined?"
You gaze fondly at Tolwynn.

Tolwynn says, "I would.. now an ever.. Tan."

You smile at Tolwynn.

Tolwynn asks, "Though I should mirror, I'd imagine?"
Tolwynn nods.

You say, "Actually, you should give me back my weapon, or I have to leave it here."
You wink at Tolwynn.
You say, "Though, if you'd like to, I'd surely accept it."
(Tanager schools herself back to solemnity, gazing at you.)

Tolwynn whispers, "Maybe put the sword in your disk, just to be safe."
You whisper quietly to Tolwynn.
Tolwynn whispers, "More than the ground."

(Tanager does indeed alter tradition slightly by beckoning her disk over.)
You pick up a gilded firebird-etched longsword.
(Tanager balances her longsword on top of her disk, then pretends she never picked it up.)
You put a gilded firebird-etched longsword in the Tanager disk that is on the floor.
Ok, it shut.

(Tolwynn draws himself rigid.)
Tolwynn removes an ancient black zorchar axe from in his storm grey backpack.

(Tanager gazes quietly up at you.)

(Tolwynn dips his axe, turning it to bow its head to the floor.)

Tolwynn says, "I am Lord Tolwynn Verethundi, of the family Verethundi, landed Lord, merchant, and a wizard of measure."
Tolwynn says, "I draw the storm from the skies, and the waters from the seas."
Tolwynn says, "And in this strength, I come to you."
Tolwynn says, "And I say to you, as befitting a noble."
Tolwynn says, "That I have found none fairer, nor kinder, nor gentler or wise in all the many Lands I have traveled."
Tolwynn says, "And to you in turn, I offer myself, and all other that is mine to offer."

Tolwynn kneels down.

Tolwynn says, "I have come to you in strength, and for you I set it aside."

(Tolwynn sets his axe upon the floor.)

Tolwynn says, "I have come to you in glory, yet there is none greater I would know than that of your presence."

Tanager smiles very softly as she gazes at you, and her violet-sapphire eyes are luminous in the dim light.

Tolwynn says, "I have come to you in wealth, yet it is poor indeed under the riches you have bestowed upon me."
Tolwynn says, "I come to you, Lady Tanager Skydancing, of flame and song and smoke, and I say to you."

Tolwynn gazes fondly at you.

Tolwynn says, "I love you."

(Tanager tries not to smile, and fails quite a bit, and then stops trying not to, and just smiles at you.)

Tolwynn says, "And I would take you as my bride, as you take me your husband, that we might join as one, now and forever."

You smile at Tolwynn.

Tolwynn says, "Two hearts, two hands, and two lives as one. Fire and sea forever twined."

Tolwynn gazes fondly at you.

(Tanager takes your left hand in her left hand.)
You clasp Tolwynn's hand tenderly.

(Tanager picks the axe carefully off the floor and offers it to you hilt-first.)

(Tolwynn accepts the axe, catching it up in his free hand.)

Ok, it opened.

(Tanager releases your left hand.)

Tolwynn removes a gilded firebird-etched longsword from in the Tanager disk.
(Tolwynn turns the sword slowly, offering it to you hilt-first.)

Tolwynn offers you a gilded firebird-etched longsword.  Enter ACCEPT to accept the offer or DECLINE to decline it.  The offer will expire in 30 seconds.

You accept Tolwynn's offer and are now holding a gilded firebird-etched longsword.

You say, "Now, if you asked me, I'd be forced to admit that came from a ballad that ran south through our village from up along the coast."

Tolwynn cocks his head.

You say, "...so whether it's truly a ceremony there, I can't say... but it always entranced me, once upon a time."
You put a gilded firebird-etched longsword in your watered silk cloak.
Tanager smiles softly to herself.

Today is Day of the Huntress, day 24 of the month Phoenatos in the year 5101.  It is 03:24 by the elven time standard.

Tolwynn says, "Wherever it's from, Tan.."
Tolwynn closes his eyes for a moment.
Tolwynn says, "It rings far more true than most ceremony I've seen."

You gaze fondly at Tolwynn.
You say, "...if you asked me... here, now, tonight...."

Tolwynn nods to you.

You say, "...if we didn't have a wedding in the plans... I'd be tempted to say we should switch for wedding rings and go tomorrow into the city as husband and wife."
You say, "...but, then, my people didn't seal by the Arkati, as they do here."
You gaze fondly at Tolwynn.

Tolwynn gazes fondly at you.

You say, "But a contract can't make a marriage... not really."
You say, "Even if it makes a lifetime."

Tolwynn says, "And I still would at that, Tanager... city, and plans, and Arkati aside."

You say, "...this... I think this did, maybe.  It... it rang true."
You gaze fondly at Tolwynn.

Tolwynn touches you.

(Tanager reaches out to rest her hand against your cheek.)

Tolwynn gazes fondly at you.

You stifle a yawn.
You clasp a hand over your mouth.
You blush a nice shade of deep red.

Tolwynn smiles at you.
Tolwynn smiles at you.

You glance bashfully at Tolwynn, blush, and mumble a few words.
You lean forward.
You close your eyes for a moment.
You tilt your head back.
You lean on Tolwynn.

Tolwynn just kissed you.

You kiss Tolwynn.
(Tanager scoots indecorously forward on her knees to snuggle more firmly against you and pull you into her embrace.)
You try to pull Tolwynn towards you.
You kiss Tolwynn.

Tolwynn just kissed you.

(Tanager climbs to her feet gradually, bringing you up with her, trying not to break the kiss.)
You stand back up.

Tolwynn stands up.

You take a few steps back.
You gaze fondly at Tolwynn.
You ask, "Shall we head back home?"

Tolwynn looks over at you and shakes his head.

You cock your head at Tolwynn.
You gaze fondly at Tolwynn.

Tolwynn says, "I think we've one other place at that."

Tolwynn smiles at you.

You say, "If you're suggesting what I think you're suggesting...."
(Tanager laughs softly, though not without a certain pleased expression.)

Tolwynn says, "I would ask you, Tan, yes."

You say, "It would be a bit of a surprise to those we’ve asked, perhaps....
You say, "...but I'm sure most of them would understand 'we didn't mean to, marriage just sort of happened last night....'"
(Tanager gazes up at you, laughing, without any sarcasm whatsoever.)

Tolwynn grins.

You say, "...seal ourselves to the community, seal ourselves to the Arkati...."
You say, "...but we've already sealed ourselves to one another."

Tolwynn says, "And they'll have the one to see soon enough."
Tolwynn nods to you.

You gaze fondly at Tolwynn.
You say, "All right.  Why not?  Let's do it."
You laugh with delight!

Tolwynn says, "Oh good."

You break out in a silly grin.

Tolwynn flashes a quick grin.
Tolwynn smiles at you.

You join Tolwynn.
(Tanager clasps your hand.)
You sigh dreamily.
You break out in a silly grin.

Tolwynn is apparently wrestling with some double doors.
Tolwynn blinks.
Tolwynn just opened some double doors.

You say, "My fault."
You say, "Didn't want company."

Tolwynn says, "Eh, better'n someone walkin in, certain."
Tolwynn says, "Especially considerin."
Tolwynn put an ancient black zorchar axe in his storm grey backpack.
Tolwynn removes an intricately carved walking stick from in his storm grey backpack.
Tolwynn grins.
Tolwynn says, "Spose was good timin I got that."
Lord Tolwynn's group went through some double doors.