The gardens were alive with light and colour, as the streaks of sunlight filled the grounds of Dunvegan. High up in the Fairy Tower, banners were raised and the soft wind had them fluttering gently. Benches were placed in rows for the guests to sit on and two rows of colourful flower petals delineated the path for the couples to walk along.
Servants and staff were busy at first light, preparing food and drink for the feast afterwards. The hall was decorated in bright colours of cloth and ribbons with juniper and heath with heather intertwined through it. Banners of all clan tartans were hung from the walls and the clan banners were flown side by side from the walls. In honour of Therese, flags of Fleur de Lis of gold on a blue background were hung alongside the tartans.
By the time the couples had awakened, the castle was a flurry of bodies making every effort to make the day spectacular. Gregor broke the misty morning silence, as he filled his pipes and began to play Grayson's favourite air. Within a few minutes of playing, two McCrimmon pipers were making their way into the courtyard to where Gregor was, playing in harmony with him. Gregor nodded and smiled, as he played on, the two taking a position to either side of him. Once the tune was over, they asked if Gregor knew an Ode to the Bride. He winked and smiled at them, as he started it off and the sweet blend of the pipes rang out to the castle and filled the air with the melody. A swath of sunlight broke through the clouds and made it's way along the ground and seemed to highlight the pipers as they played.
Grayson awoke smiling, hearing his air being played so well. He relieved himself in the pot and breathed in the morning air, as he listened.
Garreth awoke to the pipes as well and felt the drink from last night make his head swirl a bit. He opened his window to the sounds of his pipers and leaned on the sill to listen, letting the fresh air clear his head.
Heather and Therese shared the same room, the bride's to be being treated to their feet being washed by the other ladies, a tradition to wish her a good path ahead. Their pillows were scented by sachets of lavender, heather and juniper hung from the corner posts. They awoke facing one another and in moments, held hands and smiled. Heather boldly leaned forward and kissed Therese's lips briefly.
"I am so happy for us, Heather. Our lives will be lived with the men we love and we will be friends forever. I could never dream of so beautiful a day. Listen...do you hear that?" Therese asked, hearing the sounds of the pipes.
"Aye, that's Grayson's favourite air they're playing. Isn't it lovely? Oh, listen. I know what they're playing noo. That's fer us, Therese, it's an Ode tae the Bride. Come, let's listen." Heather told her and climbed out of bed, covering herself with a robe. Therese did the same and the two stood at the open window and waved to the pipers, as they played.
Once the music finished, the pipers waved to the Ladies and the Lairds and came back into the castle. Maids came to the ladies to help them get ready and a bath was soon filled and shortly after, the two ladies were being bathed and then dressed, their hair brushed and combed before intricate braids were made with coloured beads interwoven in them.
Garreth and Grayson were in their own chambers doing the same. Garreth looked in the mirror at himself and felt proud. For all the fussing they did on grooming him that annoyed him, it clearly showed in his appearance. His new kilt was perfectly pleated and the 'blanket' hung over his left shoulder, held in place with a very ornate brooch made of silver with a dark, purple amethyst for the thistle, the end tucked under his belt.
His new leather belt gleamed from the polishing and there hanging proudly from it, was
the new basket handled sword Grayson had made for him. The filigree metal gleamed
brightly in the sunlight and dazzled his eyes. His Skean Dubh was sheathed in the oxter, the Cairngorm stone gleaming from the end of the handle. His dirk, bog wood sheath, with silver filament adorning the tip and front, sat on his sporran belt on his left side. His new cuarans, deerskin boots he had finely tanned, were tied to his legs with thongs, over his tartan hose, that were held up with ribbon garters. He adjusted his bonnet, so the feathers stood straight up, making him take one last look at himself before exiting his chambers.
Grayson watched the servants leave and then turned to admire himself as well. His long, crimson hair had been tamed and combed out, making him look civil and less feral. He admired how every piece of silver gleamed brightly about him. He felt prouder than he had ever felt before in his life, feeling he presented himself well on this special day of days. His MacDonald plaid was carefully assembled on him and his Cairngorm brooch twinkled when the light hit it, the dark, brown crystal turning golden in the light. His new sword and belt shone brilliantly as well, his other blades equally as dazzling. He looked at his new shoes and turned his foot to admire them more. Arabella had sworn by their comfort and Grayson was quickly agreeing with her. Brogans she called them, but he liked his cuarans for daily wear. He proudly walked out of his chambers and met Garreth just leaving his.
"My friend, we do great honour this day tae oorselves and oor clans. Ye strike a good look tae ye. The sword pleases ye I take it?" Grayson said to him, as they walked the hall together.
"Aye, Grayson. It's a beautiful sword. I can'ne thank ye enough dear friend fer the kindness. I must find a way tae repay ye in kind." Garreth said to him, his hand extending out to Grayson.
They shook firmly and looked at each other with admiration, before a quick hug and they continued on to the stairs. Garreth couldn't help but poke a bit of fun at Grayson's footwear, but Grayson quickly gave Garreth a kick in his arse, as he went down first, making Garreth catch his step and then laugh. Once they reached the bottom, Gregor led the two chiefs from the keep and the four McCrimmon pipers followed behind out into the grounds towards the altar. The guests stood when they heard the pipers and watched the two friends being led towards them. The looks on their faces confirmed they were greatly impressed with their display. The guests had been treated to a bath and some grooming to look their best, but the lairds truly were magnificent in their splendid dress.
As the men made their way along the flower lined aisle, they took their place and faced the guests. The pipers finished playing and returned to the castle in quick order. Julia and Anne stood together, their dresses adorned with brocade panels, studded with semi-precious stones in intricate Celtic patterns. As different in colour and style as they were, they seemed to match well together.
The sound of the pipes echoed from inside the castle, signalling everyone the brides were on their way. All eyes watched, as the pipers led the two ladies along the path to the gardens and along the flowered aisle. They slowly paced their steps in time with the air, coming to stand beside their mates. Everyone looked in awe at the beautiful women coming towards them. Heather and Therese looked translucent in the morning light, the fine linen so sheer to let the light pass through. Heather's light, silk panels of green across her bosom and down the legs of her dress glowed with the sunlight, while Therese's cobalt blue front bodice panel tapered down to a point on her abdomen and numerous strips sewn vertically down the legs.
The layers of linen masked enough of their silhouettes, that their bodies weren't seen clearly, but the outline was clear enough to know they were naked underneath. A 'vee' of gossamer lace splay open the chest and cleavage of Therese's breasts, while delicate lace adorned Heather the same way. The
pipers peeled off to the sides and finished, deflating the bagpipes.
Julia spoke first, offering a welcome to the guests.
"I welcome ye all t'day tae Dunvegan and the joinings of Laird Garreth MacLeod tae Lady Therese de Mornay de Trecesson and Laird Grayson MacDonald tae Lady Heather MacDonnell. It is their decision tae join in bond and if there is anyone here who objects tae their joining, speak and be heard." she waited for the length of a breath and continued.
"I will preside o'er the joining of my son, tae Lady Therese, while Lady Anne MacDonnell of Eilean Donan will preside o'er the joining of Laird Grayson and her daughter, Heather."
Arabella sat in front, looking at her brother and felt so much joy, then to the man she truly loved, and felt her heart sink, while Braedon sat beside her holding her hand. She could feel her sadness threatening her happiness and choked back her feelings, then looked up at Braedon and smiled. Braedon noticed her move and saw her looking at him. He felt his heart warm at the sight and smiled back, his love showing clearly in his eyes.
Julia came closer to Garreth and Therese and took each of their right hands and had them hold each other, as she placed her hand over top of them, the red, silk ribbon on her wrist. Anne came to Grayson and Heather and did the same with them. Together they spoke the blessing to the couples and to everyone.
"Blessed be this union wi' 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 found in their silences.
Blessed be this union wi' the gifts of the South
Warmth of heart and home
The heat of the heart's passion
The light created by both to illuminate the darkest of times
Blessed be this union wi' 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
