2021 C : Customs

 

This post features some customs from the worlds of the Dragshi and The Windmaster Novels. The concept of marriage is universal between the two series, but the actual ceremonies differ depending on the culture such as the southern island or the mountain clan. 

In the Windmaster Novels, the sharing of a promise token signifies the joining of the couple. It could be of metal, wood, or even a handwoven bracelet. Dal handcarved the wooden tokens he planned to use as a betrothal. A snippit of the actual ceremony from Windmaster Legacy appeared in last years challenge.

The southern island version of handfasting from Windmaster follows:

The rhythmic drums gave one final thud as Semelen leaped to his feet; his arms raised high for attention.

“My friends, let us ask the water gods for success for our hunters and blessings for those who journey on the morrow.”

A young man, a few seasons short of his second decade, led a woman the same age to where Semelen stood. The boy’s face was solemn, the girl’s shy and wistful. The old wizard wrapped a floral vine around the pair’s wrists. His hands upon the pair’s heads, he closed his eyes and spoke a blessing in an ancient tongue. The couple departed hand-in-hand into the jungle.

A few minutes later another couple approached Semelen, who repeated the short ceremony. This couple ran off toward the beach, sleeping mats tucked under their arms.

Ellspeth slipped around the dying fire, her light tread silent on the soft carpet of short grass. Dal looked up into her eyes, now a light willow green sparkling with emotion.

“For a safe journey.” She placed a floral wreath around Dal’s neck.

Dal fought down the feelings that rose with Ellspeth’s touch. Then his eyes hooded with suppressed passion, he stood. A swift motion lifted the wreath from his neck and placed it around Ellspeth’s. Her fingers felt warm in his as he led her over to Semelen. At their approach, the islander’s brown face glowed with a broad smile.

Ellspeth laid two wreaths of entwined flowers in Semelen’s hand. “For your blessing.”

Jesmen’s coached her well. Ellspeth’s innocent face and the action he was taking tightened Dal’s chest. If only this was for real. He barely felt the vines when Semelen draped them over their wrists, then lifted one to set it upon Ellspeth’s silver curls. The old islander stretched to his full height and placed the second wreath on Dal’s dark hair. Semelen lifted his hands to the sky. His lilting words low, he pronounced his blessing in the liquid tongue of the shamans who once led the ancient inhabitants of the island. Dal bowed his head and mentally translated Semelen’s blessing.

Mountain and Sea are Bound Together
For One Year Two Lives As One
For a Lifetime Two Souls Entwined.

Dal forced down his racing pulse. I’m sorry Elle, but the prophecy won’t be denied.

~ ~ ~

 

The Windmaster Novels  - one click to estores 

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~ till next time, Helen