Rejected Mate novel Chapter 24

Today is the big day. To say I’m nervous is an understatement. I watch out the bedroom window and see everyone arriving and taking their assigned seats.

“You ready for this?” Ben questions poking his head into the room

“Ready as I ever will be”, I smile, poking up the bottom of my crème wedding gown and heading down the hallway behind Ben.

“Everything ready down there?” I question making sure before I open the door to enter the ceremony.

“Yes, everything is ready for you”, Ben responds before pulling the door open.

The minute the door opens, the music starts playing, and everyone stands up and turns to look at me.

I slowly start heading down the aisle in glee that everything has turned out perfectly. Once I reach hazyn, everyone takes their seats.

“Dearly beloved, we meet here today to witness a sacred ceremony: the union of Hazyn and Erika. With great reverence, we come together to celebrate the love and devotion shared by these two children of the moon goddess that stand before us. We are especially blessed to be joined today by friends. The Groom and Bride are honoured you could be here to participate in this momentous occasion.

In times past, it was believed that the human soul shared characteristics with all things divine. It is this belief which assigned virtues to the cardinal directions; East, South, West and North. It is in this tradition that a blessing is offered in support of this ceremony.

Blessed be this union with the gifts of the East.
Communication of the heart, mind, and body
Fresh beginnings with the rising of each Sun.
The knowledge of the growth is found in the sharing of silences.

Blessed be this union with the gifts of the South.
The warmth of hearth and home.
The heat of the heart's passion.
Both created the light to illuminate the darkest of times.

Blessed be this union with the gifts of the West.
The deep commitments of the lake The swift excitement of the river.
The refreshing cleansing of the rain.
The all-encompassing passion of the sea.

Blessed be this union with the gifts of the North.
A firm foundation on which to build.
Fertility of the fields to enrich your lives.
A stable home to which you may always return.
Each of these blessings emphasises those things which will help you build a happy and successful union.

Yet, they are only tools. Tools which you must use together in order to create what you seek in this union.

Over the course of their relationship, Hazyn and Erika have developed a strong bond based on shared values and mutual respect. With a solid foundation from which to grow, they have made the decision to take the oath of marriage and spend the rest of their lives together.

Let us revel in the joy and love on display here today. May we treasure these memories as Hazyn and Erika, under the fold of the Elements, get set to begin their new life together.” Pack priest Aadon starts out.

“Who gives this Bride today?” He questions, making me panic slightly because I hadn’t thought that through yet I was so focused on everything else I forgot I have to be given away.

“I do”, Ben chimes up, making me turn to him and smile as a sign that I am grateful. Ben nods before allowing me to walk up to Hazyn before retiring to his seating placement; I turn to aadon and smile to continue.

“If anyone has cause to object to the forming of this union, speak now or forever hold your peace.” I wait patiently, waiting to know who, if anyone objects; after a few seconds, no one makes a sound; I sigh in relief, knowing that this is going super smoothly and everyone respects our mating.

I watch as Aadon turns to the guests addressing them.

“Marriage is a venerated institution, and one deserving of deep reverence. Today we observe the union of Hazyn and Erika in holy matrimony, a commitment they have chosen to undertake with all the sincerity that it warrants.

While marriage is a sacred and serious tradition, it is also cause for tremendous joy. Married life is full of surprises, adventures, and memory-making – all made possible by the enduring power of love. When Hazyn and Erika finalise this union, they will begin a new life of the partnership, one defined by shared hopes, dreams, and successes.” Within seconds he is facing us again.

“Hazyn and Erika, as you learn to live as one, you will encounter many challenges that can help you grow. Spend time doing the things that make life precious – cooperate with each other, always make time to laugh together, and never lose appreciation for the love that you share. Remember, too, to adhere to the vows that you will make today. Seek strength from each other, give hope to each other, and let your trials help you grow together. They say love can build bridges and climb mountains — and they're right. You will find that as it grows and matures over time, your love for one another will prove both fulfilling and empowering.

Yes, there will be challenges in life, but the strength of your bond will offer you protection against life's storms. Always make your relationship a priority, and continue to nurture each other. Through a commitment to love, and with the power of faith, together, you will be able to navigate any obstacles that come your way.

Under the fold of the Elements with the moon goddess overseeing us today, I solemnly bear witness to these matrimonial proceedings. I will now finalise the sacred covenant you shall both enter into on this day.

The rite of marriage is an ancient institution, an important ritual that binds two people together for the rest of their days. Today, as you form this union, you're choosing to take a vow that is as sacred today as it was to your ancestors.

Before we proceed, I will first recite the Apache Wedding Prayer: 

Now, you will feel no rain, 
for each of you will be shelter for the other.
Now you will feel no cold, 
for each of you will be warmth to the other.
Now there will be no loneliness, 
for each of you will be a companion to the other. 

Treat yourselves and each other with respect,
and remind yourselves often of what brought you together.
Give the highest priority to the tenderness,
gentleness and kindness that your connection deserves.
When frustration, difficulty and fear assail your relationship,
as they threaten all relationships at one time or another,
remember to focus on what is right between you,
not only the part which seems wrong.
In this way, you can ride out the storms
when clouds hide the face of the sun in your lives,
remembering that even if you lose sight of it
for a moment, the sun is still there.
And if each of you takes responsibility
for the quality of your life together,
it will be marked by abundance and delight." I turn to Hazyn quickly, knowing what is coming next.

“Hazyn and Erika, I invite you to express your sacred vows to one another. Please face each other as you declare these vows before the Elements and in the presence of your friends and the moon goddess, Hazyn,” Aadon greets, inviting him to say his vows.

“With this ring, I give you my promise

that from this day forward

I will give you all my love,

and you shall not walk alone.

I have no greater gift to give.

As your love is my anchor,

and your trust is my strength,