The Wedding

((Taken from Rp))

After escorting her into the church, Ethan and Brit lit a candle at the door together. Brit’s shaking hand was steadied with his. She focused intently on lighting the candle while Ethan stole quick looks at her. Many had come to join them and both wondered how so many knew so quickly. Hild, Gweneth, Omega, Nikita, Larissa, Lorne, Pieter, Kishi, Kytara, Merma, Poncho, Katinka, Nicholette, Sinco, Carlos, Arcann, Komali, Xelion, Pix, Tony, Spirit, Kaya, Tanika, Choi, and Jon were there to bear witness. Brit clasped Ethan’s arm tighter not use to having so many watch her and she struggled against the distraction of so many near. Even so, she wished Ellie, Vlad, and Denny could have been there.

Ethan walked down the aisle with Brit on his arm. Continuing to steal glances at her, he whispered, “You are stunning.” It never occurred to Brit how many set aside their differences to be there for their wedding. She smiled to their friends as she passed them as she walked to the front of the church where Stacy stood. Ethan gave Stacy two rings, which she held in her right hand and said, “It is the right hand of God that blesses, to the right that Christ ascended, and to the right that those who inherit life eternal will ascend. Blessed are these metal symbols, given by me unto you to prove among any observers true faith, concord, love, and that in marriage the weakness of one will be compensated by the strength of the other. There is perfection within a union of imperfections.” Brit’s hand tightened on Ethan’s as she listened.

Stacy’s right hand seemed to gleam brightly as she prayed, “Welcome these witnesses forgiving them of their transgression this day of blessed unity. Two souls bonded in unwavering union protected here until come judgment. Amen.” Ethan took Brit’s hand entwining her fingers and gave her a comforting squeeze. Stacy continued, “Welcome witnesses. Ye are truly blessed to witness a holy union granted in the gift of free will. God’s gift to mankind.” Stacy pulled from her pocket a small coloring book and opened it to take a small piece of paper. Looking from the paper to the audience, she said, “This book given as a gift to me possesses an excerpt from which I will read. This excerpt will have special meaning unto these two as they take their steps into union.”

Brit listened carefully to each word along with Ethan. Reading from the book, Stacy’s voice filled the church. “’What is Real?’ asked the Rabbit one day, when lying side by side near the nursery fender before Nana came to tidy the room. ‘Does it mean having things that buzz inside you and a stick-out handle?’ ‘Real isn’t how you are made,’ said the Skin Horse. ‘It is a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long long time, not just to play with but REALLY loves you, then you become Real.’ ‘Does it hurt?’ asked the Rabbit. ‘Sometimes,’ said the Skin Horse for he was always truthful. ‘When you are real, you don’t mind being hurt. It doesn’t happen all at once. It takes a long time. That's why it doesn't happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get all loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand.’” Outside, gunfire blazed, but neither Ethan or Brit heard anything except for the unusual reading from the Velveteen Rabbit.

Stacy placed the tattered book and the paper back into her pocket. Looking from Ethan to Brit, she smiled before looking up at the audience. “Dearly beloved. We are gathered here in the sight of God to join together this Man and this Woman in Holy Matrimony; which is an honorable estate instituted by God in Paradise, and into which holy estate these two person present come now to be joined. Therefore if any man can show any just cause why they may not lawfully be joined together by God’s Law, or the Laws of the Realm, let him speak now, or else hereafter forever hold their piece.” The crowd grew quieter as eyes shifted about. One scratched her ear while another narrowed his eyes. Merma chuckled thinking that someone would have to be suicidal to object.

Ethan took Brit’s hands in his and looked directly to her. He mouthed, “You are beautiful” causing her to beam up at him. Stacy refocused on the couple, “I require and charge you both as ye will answer at the dreadful day of judgment when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed that if either of you know any impediment why ye may not be lawfully joined together in Matrimony, that ye confess it. For ye be well assured that so many as be coupled together otherwise than God’s word doth allow are not joined together by God; neither is their Matrimony lawful.” Both Ethan and Brit smiled at each other and then to Stacy feeling completely at peace with what they are doing.

Stacy smiled at the couple, then asked, “Ethan, wilt thou have this Woman to be thy wedded wife, to live together after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honour and keep her in sickness and in health; and forsake all others, keep thee only unto her until judgment and divine wrath cometh upon this Earth?” Looking directly into Brit’s eyes, he responded to Stacy with a simple and meaningful “I do” as another smile hinted on his lips. Pausing, Stacy asked Brit, “Ms. Brit, wilt thou have this man to be thy wedded husband, to live together after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt thou obey him, and serve him, love, honour, and keep him in sickness and in health; and forsaking all others, keep thee only unto him until judgment and wrath up this Earth cometh?” Processing each word, she smiled up to Ethan and lisped, “I will” as she gave his hands a tight squeeze.

Stacy directed Ethan take Brit’s hand and repeat after her. His voice was clear as he said, “I Ethan take thee, Brit, to my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse. For richer or for poorer, for fairer or fouler, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish until judgment cometh, according to God’s holy ordinance, and there unto I plight thee my troth.” Several noted that Ethan did not blink once. With a nod, Stacy had Brit repeat after her. Brit lisped repeating each word slowly and ensuring that she said each and every one, “I Brit take thee Ethan to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to be bonny and buxom at bed and at board, to love and to cherish until judgment cometh, according to God’s holy ordinance and thereunto I plight thee my troth.” Ethan actually blinked at part of the plight and squeezed Brit’s hands slightly.

Bowing her head, Stacy said, “Let us pray. Bless these rings, O merciful Lord, that those who wear them, that give and receive them, may be ever faithful to one another, remain in your peace, and live and grow old together in your love, under their own vine and fig tree, and seeing their children’s children. Amen.” Ethan quirked slightly at the last part of the prayer. Stacy gave each one of the rings to give to the other. Ethan placed his ring onto Brit’s finger repeating after Stacy, “With this ring, I thee wed; and with my body, I thee honor; and with all my worldly goods, I thee endow. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” With the last word, he slowly slid the ring onto Brit’s finger before looking up to her with the triumphant expression of a 10-year old after his first kiss. Brit then repeated the same vow as she slid a ring onto Ethan’s finger. She could not resist bouncing slightly as it settled in place and her smile mirrored his happiness.

Both knelt as Stacy placed her hands on their foreheads and said, “Let us pray.. O Eternal God, Creator and Preserver of all mankind, Giver of all spiritual grace, the Author of everlasting life; Send thy blessing upon these thy servants, this man and this woman, whom we bless in thy Name; + that, as Isaac and Rebecca lived faithfully together, so these persons may surely perform and keep the vow and covenant betwixt them made, whereof this Ring given and received is a token and pledge, and may ever hereafter remain in perfect love and peace together, and live according to thy laws; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Those whom God hath joined together let no existence put asunder. Amen." Removing her hands, both stood. Opening her arms in a wide embrace, Stacy addressed the audience. “For as much as Ethan and Brit have consented together in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and this company by giving and receiving of a ring, and by joining of hands; I pronounce therefore that they be Man and Wife together, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

A chorus of Amens could be heard from the crowd, including a few who had not ever said it before. Facing one another again, Stacy said, “May God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit bless, preserve and keep you; the Lord mercifully with his favor look upon you; and so fill you with all spiritual benediction and grace, that ye may so life together in this life, that in the world to come ye may have life everlasting.” Someone whispered, “Blessed be. Amen.” With a warm smile, Stacy said, “Let now this union be witnessed by all present as now. Ethan, you may kiss your bride, and go forth from this house forever your union in grace.” Ethan did not need to be prompted twice and very slowly pulled Brit to him placing her hand where his heart was located. Then he pulled her even closer lifting her up for one single sweet kiss. Their lips barely touched before it turned into a more lingering kiss.

After the kiss, Stacy said, “As these two conclude, there is a request f a ceremony of common cup. Let all witness to look upon.” Ethan picked up the chalice and took his necklace to use the point to cut his wrist slightly dropping blood into the goblet. He then guided Brit’s fingers to do the same with her wrist. Guiding the cup to her lips, words are heard, “My blood, your blood, our blood…unites as one.” She sipped from the cup while watching him the entire time. He drank the rest and whispered, “Mine” before putting the chalice down and walked her back down the aisle and out of the church. Pausing a moment, an invitation was given to all to celebrate their union with music and drink.

Going to the Chapel

Ethan watched her leave and then made his way to the church. He had planned every detail of the wedding except for inquiring whether Stacy would officiate. The memory of his first encounter with the archangel gave reason to feel a bit anxious. Still, Brit cared a great deal for her and he wanted all to be perfect. From the small gathering outside of the church, he was directed to Stacy within. Ethan paused a moment seeing his chylder waiting. Gweneth had arrived quickly, which pleased him. He nodded to both Stacy and Gweneth in greeting, but turned to Stacy and said, “There is a matter I wish to discuss with you and ask your assistance in.” Stacy granted that he could pose his request. Ethan continued, “I know Brit confides in you. And you are amongst His followers and are one of uncrushable faith. I wanted to ask you to perform a different kind of union ritual. A wedding, if you will. But somewhat adjusted to the nature of both involved.”

Stacy looked Ethan over. Rather than seeming arrogant as he had in the past when he encountered her, he stood there seeming quite anxious looking at her with big eyes while waiting for her response. Stacy pondered for a moment, her eyes shifting from the book in front of her to Ethan. She said, “I will do as you ask of me, taking into consideration your nature, and my own as well.”

Ethan felt that things were coming together. He said, “I do appreciate that and know you will find the best way possible to combine both our natures..with respect for what is different but keeping the heart of the blessing itself untouched.” Gweneth hinted a grin as she listened. Stacy responded, “It is seen in this world as a blessing but, to the Father, it is what it is: a union. Two souls bonded for as long as they both shall live, a mortal soul mating.”

After ensuring that the church would be kept safe during the ceremony and advising that a few of his kin would be joining as witnesses, he excused himself to greet Gweneth and prepare for the ceremony that was to start within the hour, which is the time he had given Brit to prepare.

Meanwhile, Omega and Larissa had their hands full assisting Brit who was bouncing from one area to another as they struggled to dress her. Omega was not surprised to see such garments as what was pulled from the trunk. Ethan had not selected the more modern versions, but rather authentic fashions of a much earlier era. It took a moment to sort each item after removing the tissue that cushioned each against wrinkling during transport.

First, Brit slid on the silk stockings that were almost opaque. Omega remembered when the sheerness were scandalous for the day and assisted Brit to connect each stocking to the antiquated garter that tied it in place. The pantalets were cut to fit Brit perfectly, and the brushed Egyptian cotton was edged with an icing of lace that dripped over each stocking-covered knee. Larissa tried to keep Brit’s focus while Omega tied on the first layer of petticoats. Again, yards of lace-edged, brushed cotton that tied prettily around Brit’s waist followed by a pretty ribbon-covered hoop petticoat frame only to be topped with yet another full petticoat. Both Larissa and Omega struggled to adjust each layer while Brit nearly danced in place. The gown settled over Brit and both helpers hushed for a moment. Omega commented on how pretty she looked and praised Ethan’s taste in clothing as well as brides. Larissa took hold of Brit’s hands to attempt to keep her in one spot as Omega buttoned the tiny buttons on the back of the gown. Excited chatter filled the room as one secured Brit’s crown of flowers and the other tried to find her feet to slide the slippers in place. The last thing item worn was the locket given to her by Denny and Viviane.

Larissa arranged Brit’s hair until it was perfect. “You are lovely, little girl.” Swallowing hard, Omega said, “Denny wanted to be here…but he will be very happy for you, I know.” She watched Brit flounce and twirl. “You look…so beautiful, Brit,” Omega told her as she fought back some emotions. “You really are a princess now,” Omega said. Taking Brit’s hands, Omega smiled to her, “The perfect bride.” She gave Brit a final look-over and said, “I know Ethan picked this out, but I think seeing you dressed in it will quit undo him.”

Larissa lengthened her own lovely dress with a snap of her fingers. Omega had already dressed for the wedding. Friday night rabble-rousers shot at each other down the street. “If they shoot my dress, Ethan will be way upset,” lisped Brit. Ethan was waiting at the door of the church with a bouquet in his hands. He stopped pacing and seemed speechless when he saw Brit. Omega said with a flourish, “Ethan, may I present your bride.” Omega walked up the steps and kissed Ethan’s cheek whispering, “A little more notice would have been nice.” Nodding to Omega respectfully, he regained his voice and said to both Larissa and Omega, “I think you both truly for bringing her to me.” Stepping forward, he took Brit’s hand and offered the bouquet. Larissa followed Omega inside. Ethan stared at her as if to burn her into his memory. He slowly kissed her hand and placed it on the crook of his arm, and then he walked her into the church.

Practicing Prayer

“Perhaps you should pray,” Ethan said. He took her to the church and there he played the organ while giving her space to talk to God. The sound of the organ was surprisingly good considering the state of the rest of the building. During the first hymn, Brit was more interested in the music than prayer. By the time he started playing the third hymn, it was clearly obvious to him that Brit not only did not understand what it meant to pray but she also did not know about the existence of God. “God is everywhere and made everything,” Ethan quietly explained while continuing to play the song that made the church feel much less empty. “I prayed a lot when I was younger. Human.”

“What do I do to pray?” she asked. He explained that she just talked like she was talking to a friend and not to worry when there was no response. She looked all over the building and back to Ethan. “But none are near,” she told him. He continued to play and gave suggestions. The playing kept his hands occupied and the music soothed the discomfort that came when he realized that Brit had no understanding of the most significant influence in his mortal life. “I found much comfort in prayer in my younger years. Perhaps you should read about it. Talk to others.”

In the city, many were willing to comment on God, but few would discuss the matter. A stripper in town told Brit, “Honey, I mention God at least once each time I’m on my knees.” Many told her, “Not, God. It’s ‘Goddess’.” Yet others told her that there was no god. The books in the library contradicted each other so she returned to the church to find someone with answers. There, near the confessional, she found a tattered pamphlet titled “How to Pray.” It offered steps, tips and warnings. She read slowly, “Step 1: Set some time aside to pray every day. It could be 15 minutes in the morning, right when you wake up, an hour of meditation in the evening, or any time you can get a break.” Looking about and seeing no one, she decided that now was as good as a time as any.

“Step 2,” she lisped, “Know who you are praying to. It is a conversation and you just talk so it can be a casual hello or a cry for help.” Brit found this step bewildering. After all, she had been attacked once in this very church and no one was there to help. Looking up at the large cross on the wall, she mused about Ethan who obviously used to pray a lot and wondered if help came when he needed it. Since she never prayed, maybe that was why help did not arrive when she needed it. The pamphlet cautioned that all prayers were not answered. Gazing more up at the cross, she felt an incredible sense of emptiness in the building. None were near.”

Brit sat for a while and tried to talk to God, but she never felt any sense that anyone heard her. A few came and went. Of those who frequented the church, none wanted to discuss the being for who it was created. Several hours passed, and so she sat and read the pamphlet. Eventually, Lorne arrived as if he knew she was there. She asked if he knew about God and he told her that he knew several by such a name but confessed that he knew the one that Ethan knew very well as that particular being made him. Lorne painted a picture of a jealous, cruel being who once caste him out of his home – a home he helped to create.

Ethan listened patiently to what Brit relayed regarding her discussion with Lorne before telling her that Lorne was like a soldier from the opposite army. Ethan explained that he believed that God was good, was everywhere, and created everyone and everything. In addition, he said that God created free will allowing others to choose what to believe. Brit struggled to understand how he could be so very sure when Vlad, who was near, ran screaming down the street. Both Ethan and Brit watched Vlad run away, and then watched as Ellie followed him. Turning to Brit, Ethan said, “Talk to Stacy. She will help you understand.”