Taran's Narrative

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Taran felt as if he had been tearing around the village all day like his arse was on fire. He met with his warriors, listened to petitions, took a long walk through the village with Bryce, who pointed out various minor problems related to fencing, winter food stores, issues with refuse, all of which Taran had plans to handle. Taran explained his proposals over and over again, but Bryce never seemed satisfied. Though he never did.
Taran wondered if Bryce had somehow learned of the wedding and was simply trying to waste Taran’s time. All the invitees had been sworn to silence, but perhaps someone in his or her excitement had slipped.
While Bryce made a long speech about a broken barrel resting in front of a shed, Angus approached. Taran noticed …show more content…

You’ll see in moments, since we need to get to the cliffs.”
“Tell me, does she seem happy?”
Bili dropped a meaty hand on Taran’s shoulder. “Radiant, my friend.”
The moment a sliver of sun peeked over the horizon, Taran and Bili stepped outside. It was chilly, but not a typical Pictish winter morning that made one wish he was still buried under the warm bedclothes. And it was not raining or sleeting, so that was positive.
As they moved toward the cliffs by the Royal Longhouse, Taran remained silent. He wanted to savor these final few moments of personal reflection. He conjured up the faces of whose whom he had lost and loved – Leese, Lutren, his mother. Taran thought of Tori and Wen, both of whom had gone off on an adventure fueled by love. That was the definition of marriage, Taran supposed, an adventure fueled by love.
“There she is, your bride,” said Bili, garnering Taran’s attention as they took the final few steps to the cliffside.
Taran had been so lost in thought he hardly believed they were already there. He looked up, and there stood Veerah next to Eithne. Taran and Veerah’s small group of friends stood in half-circle before them. And much to Taran’s surprise, Angus had turned up after …show more content…

No one and nothing mattered in this moment but his bride. With a smile, Veerah took his hands in hers.
“Uh, sire?” asked Eithne.
His head whipped toward the old woman. “What?” he blurted out, and the attendees all laughed.
Eithne chuckled. “I asked if you had the wedding bracelet.”
“Oh.” Taran’s gut clenched. He had forgotten all about that. What an idiot he was going to look like at his own wedding.
Bili stepped forward and handed over the carved silver bracelet. With sheer relief, Taran accepted the piece of jewelry, then grabbed Bili by the neck and kissed his cheek.
“Ugh, save that for your bride!” said Bili, but he winked as he took a step back.
Taran and Veerah exchanged bracelets and vows. Overwhelmed with love, he did not know what he was saying, he just repeated whatever he was told.
“You are not tied to one another by an invisible bond that cannot be broken,” said Eithne. “And I would like to add that I have rarely seen such a deep and abiding love, and I bless you with a thousand prayers for health, happiness, and good fortune. Your love will last in this life and beyond, I am sure of

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