Lynne stepped to the center and rotated to face the couple. Sly and Morgaine linked hands and smiled at each other. Sly had always thought her beautiful, but tonight she seemed to glow. Her green eyes reflected the soft candlelight, but it wasn’t only that. She had parted her blond hair in the middle and it fell in soft waves well past her shoulders. Her long, soft ivory dress and the flowers in her hair conferred an air of Mother Nature herself.How did I get so lucky?
The JP said, would the engaged couple please take a step forward and allow the guests to form a circle around us. As soon as they had all taken their places, Lynne rotated about 45 degrees. Extending her hand, she said, “As we welcome the elements of the East, we call upon air, and ask that this couple be blessed with understanding and the ability to communicate freely with each other.”
Then she swiveled again and motioned toward the south. “To the elements of the South, we ask that the fire of passion and desire always burn within this couple’s hearts. May they always keep the sacred energy that brought them together.”
She turned toward and gestured to the west. “As we observe the West, and its element of water, we ask that this couple’s love and commitment to one another always stay pure. May they find ways to renew the spirit and emotion of love that flows between them.”
Finally, Lynne turned all the way back toward them and said, “To the element of North and in appreciation of the Earth, we ask that Sylvestro and Morgaine be blessed with abundance and fertility.”
Fertility?Obviously, the good witch didn’t know they were vampires or was unaware that dead sperm don’t swim. He still couldn’t believe Morgaine was willing to give up the possibility of motherhood. They’d be loving guardians and friends to Max and potential future children of all the other couples here, but nothing more.
The JP continued on, “If children are desired, may they be healthy and happy always.”
Yup, she didn’t know. Oh, well. She didn’t have to. Probably better if she didn’t. How many JPs would show up to a vampire wedding?
Lynne faced them directly and smiled. “Sly and Morgaine, step forward.”
With hands still linked, they took one step forward and stood in front of their JP.
Lynne said, “As we have created balance and harmony here today, we ask that you, as a couple, always enjoy the same. Are you Morgaine prepared to pledge yourself to Sylvestro?”
Morgaine responded, “I am,” with no hesitation. She cleared her throat and recited, “I, Morgaine, pledge myself to you, Sly, and our marriage. I will love and cherish you, always, and never forget the gift of love that you have given me.” She slid a white gold ring with a Celtic knot design on his finger and said, “Accept this ring as a symbol of my love and commitment.”
Sly had been coached the day before the ceremony and responded appropriately. “I will.”
Then Lynne addressed Sly. “Sylvestro, are you prepared to pledge your devotion and love to Morgaine?”
“I am,” he said, happily. He kissed Morgaine’s hand, which wasn’t part of the ceremony, but it made everyone smile. “I, Sylvestro, am ready to spend my life with you. I willalwayshonor the commitment I make today. I promise to love and care for you, forever.”
The group sighed as he placed a matching ring of white gold on her finger. He noticed that she still wore the one he gave her on Yule but she’d placed it on her index finger, leaving her third finger open for her wedding ring.
He continued his vow with, “Wear this ring as a symbol of the love and devotion I will always have for you.”
Morgaine responded, “I will.”
Lynne smiled. “Through these vows and the exchange of rings, Morgaine and Sylvestro have made their intentions of marriage clear before you, their cherished guests, and their Gods and Goddesses. They have pledged themselves to one another and look forward to a bright future. We join in giving them our blessings.”
Gwyneth said, “Blessed be,” and the others followed suit.
When it was quiet again, Lynne said, “Sylvestro and Morgaine, by the power invested in me, I now pronounce you partners in life…husband and wife.” She extended her hands. “The circle is prepared to be closed, spirits and guardians are released. I send this circle into the cosmos to do our bidding.” She whirled 360 degrees and scooped up the air from the floor over her head. “The circle is open, but not broken.”
Everyone hugged and congratulated the newlyweds.
When Sly returned to Morgaine, he saw her crying. “Honey, what’s the matter?” He opened his arms and she stepped into his embrace.
“Absolutely nothing, I’m just ridiculously happy.”
Then she responded to something he hadn’t heard. “Thanks Chad.” She stepped back and smirked, “Chad called me a wimp, but gave us his best wishes too.”
Sly kissed her nose. “You’re no wimp, woman.” Curious, he asked, “So, Chad’s here. Is that what Lynne meant when she said something about the spirits attending?”
Morgaine smiled. “I doubt she was aware of Chad specifically, but any friendly spirits or elementals that chose to attend were welcome to be part of the ritual.”
Sly glanced around. “Are they still here?”
She chuckled. “No, they were released as the circle was opened.”
“Whew. I’m just getting used to Chad. I don’t think I could handle a whole houseful of spirits.”
