In Good Times and Bad

Writers: Jane, Cali, AL
Date Posted: 17th January 2009

Characters: Sorsha, Ri'len, Lenlee, J'far
Description: Sorsha and Railen get married.
Location: Harper Hall
Date: month 13, day 18 of Turn 4

"Can you marry us?" Sorsha asked as she stood with Railen and Lenlee in the doorway to the harper's office. They'd asked around at the Harper Hall and were directed here although she didn't understand how one harper was different than all the others running around.

"I can marry _you_, if you like," the elderly man said in a teasing tone and with a smile, "or you and this fine young man can marry each other and I'll serve as witness then record the marriage in the Hall's register of such things. Which would you prefer?"

Sorsha giggled at the old man's offer and took Railen's hand. "I'd like to marry _him_ please, and your witness would be much appreciated."

Railen couldn't help but grin at the man's suggestion. He was in a good mood, a great mood. They were finally getting married. He could hear Lenlee's quiet laughter behind them.

"I'd be happy to be your witness then. Do you mind if I ask some questions? Some for the records and some because I like to know that I'm witnessing marriages that mean something to be people undertaking them."

"Of course." Railen agreed without hesitation. "What would you like to know?"

"Your names, for a start, and ages and where you're from. And I see you've brought a friend along," the old man added, smiling at Lenlee.

"I'm Lenlee." The girl piped up as soon as the harper took note of her.

"I'm Railen." The boy answered glance over at his sister, then Sorsha, with a smile.

"And who _are_ you, Lenlee?" the harper asked, making a note of both names. "Not the bride, not the groom."

"I'm Railen's sister." The girl explained, then grinned, "And soon to be Sorsha's sister."

"Of course." The harper looked at the young woman. "Which makes you Sorsha."

Sorsha smiled, "Yes. We're all staying at the Weyr, but my home hold is Green Bend, and theirs Willet Grove. Oh and I'm sixteen, Lenlee's fourteen, and Railen's nineteen." She thought that should answer his question.

"And what do your families think about you getting married?"

"Well, they originally arranged it." Railen explained with a bit of amusement, "But we wound up falling in love and _want_ to get married. They're on their way here it's just...they may not make it before the hatching. We want this taken care of before then."

Lenlee nodded solemnly as if to give weight to her brother's words.

"And _why_ do you want it taken care of?" the harper prompted.

"In case one of us Impreses." Sorsha explained, "We're all candidates. If Railen or I Impress then we couldn't be married. And we _really_ want to be married."

"Ah, there you are!" J'far exclaimed as he rounded the corner and made his way into the room. "I got your note, but I thought I'd never find you all. Sorry I'm late, but you know, drills. Am I still in time for a wedding? I don't get to go to many here at the Weyr you know." he added with a wink.

The harper's eyes twinkled. Adding a make greenrider to the mix was making this a memorable occasion. "And how do you fit in? Bride's side, or groom's?"

"Both!" he joked, "In just a few minutes."

"He's my cousin." Railen smiled to the greenrider and then looked back to the harper. "Which means I think we're pretty much ready to get this going."

"Would you like to make your promises to each other then, Railen and Sorsha? In front of these witnesses you've gathered?"

"I would." Railen nodded as if to add weight to his words, then looked to Sorsha.

Sorsha was suddenly timid as she looked between Railen and the harper, "What do we say?"

"Usually that you're making a lifelong commitment to this man, to be faithful and loyal and supportive to him as his wife and the mother of his children," the old man suggested.

She looked back quickly to where Lenlee and J'far were standing and then into Railen's eyes. He extended his hands and she took them, a smile playing at both their lips. "Railen, I give my heart to you. To be with you forever as your wife, even if not long by law then by love. Whatever our future brings us, I will stand by you side through it all."

"Well done," the harper said. "And you, Railen?"

"Sorsha," Railen gently squeezed the hands he held, "My heart is yours, my life is yours. No matter what people may say or what may happen, I pledge myself to you in every way shape or form. Good times and bad times, I will keep you close by my side. I will cherish you in my heart forever and always."

"Congratulations, both of you. I hope your marriage brings you all the things you hope, and more. Would you and your witnesses like to sign in the record here?" The man turned the large book around so that they could sign against his record of the event.

Lenlee fairly ran to the book and took up the pen, marking her name in the book. She turned her grin to the harper then to her brother and new sister in law.

Sorsha giggled as she jumped into Railen's arms and kissed him soundly.

"Mind if I kiss the bride next?" J'far teased as he came up behind them. He'd signed as a witness while the two were otherwise engaged.

"I suppose, as long as you promise not to steal her away." Railen felt buoyant, as if he could carry Sorsha all the way around Pern and not break a sweat. They were married! Finally! Legally!

"You should let the Headwoman know you've married," the harper advised, "and your families. But other than that it's all recorded for posterity."

"Of course." Railen agreed readily. Shards, he'd stand at the topmost point of the weyr and shout it if he could!

Sorsha gave the greenrider a quick kiss and Lenlee a hug before securing herself to her new husband's side. Her grin was enormous as she giggled again and looked up at Railen, "I love you husband."

Railen's smile was a match for Sorsha's. He drew her in close and kissed her soundly on the lips. When he pulled away, he rest his forehead against hers and stated firmly, "I love you too, wife."

Last updated on the January 20th 2009

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In Good Times and Bad