Ever Marked (The Claren Trilogy Book 1)

by Mary Akers

  “This could work!” she thought, as relief washed over her.

  She hastily pulled it across her back and draped it over her elbows. Then she ran over to the mirror and turned to see how effectively it covered her birthmark. It wasn’t perfect but it definitely would obstruct anyone’s view. She took a calming breath and tried to regain her composure before Alysa walked into the room.

  “Smile. Breathe. Everything is fine,” she silently told herself.

  “Ready?” Alysa called out before stepping through the doorway, her binding cord looped around her hand.

  “Yes. Yep! Ready,” Elora replied with perhaps a bit too much enthusiasm.

  The smile faded from Alysa’s lips as she took in Elora’s appearance and her eyes focused on the fabric covering her like a shawl.

  “Oh Elora. Really? Are you truly that shy?” Alysa asked, the disappointment obvious in her voice.

  “The dress is so beautiful Alysa,” Elora gushed, trying to placate her. “I love that you are daring in your designs. Please, please forgive me. I’m just not quite daring enough to wear this one yet.”

  “Oh, it’s alright. I knew when I was making it that it might be a little too much of a stretch for you. I want you to be comfortable. The satin is actually a really nice solution. And the dress is still lovely on you,” Alysa conceded, wrapping an arm around Elora’s shoulders.

  “Thank you. Please don’t be offended,” Elora beseeched her as she turned to embrace her fully.

  “Nothing is going to offend me today. Especially not you,” Alysa replied.

  Stepping back from the hug, she held up the cord for Elora to see.

  “As my Witness, it’s your job to hold onto this until Preacher Woodward asks for it,” she said, handing it over.

  Elora took the cord, admiring how creative and talented Alysa was.

  “It’s perfect. If you were a cord, this would be you,” she said with a giggle, tucking it into the small satchel tied at her waist.

  “Well, I tried. It’s harder than you’d think. I can’t wait to see what Trig came up with. Creativity isn’t his forte,” she said, laughing. “Now let’s go see what you’ve done with that courtyard and get this binding ceremony done!”

  “Okay,” Elora said, smiling despite the sick feeling in the pit of her stomach.

  “It’s the start of my new life!” Alysa cried happily, and squealed in excitement.

  “I hope I feel like that when it’s my turn,” Elora laughed.

  “I certainly hope so! Everyone should!” Alysa replied as she grabbed Elora’s hand and started pulling her toward the door enthusiastically.

  Elora chuckled and followed. But she glanced over her should once more into the mirror at her birthmark as they left the room.

  Alysa and Elora could hear the hum of a crowd inside the courtyard as they approached.

  “It sounds like the entire town showed up!” Elora remarked.

  “It really does,” Alysa agreed nervously. “Would people think badly of me if I just sprinted up the aisle? It’s stressing me out to think of all those eyes on me.”

  “People would definitely talk about it. But I’m in complete agreement about making this a speedy walk,” Elora said, nodding.

  “Just make sure you keep up,” Alysa said, laughing.

  They reached the gate and stopped at the entrance. Preacher Woodward noticed them from where he stood near the trellis in the center of the courtyard. The crowd went silent as he lifted his hands to mark the beginning of the ceremony. Trig and his older brother Nate, who was standing as his witness, both moved to stand next to the preacher. It seemed as if nearly the entire town truly had turned out for the ceremony, and they all shifted to watch the two girls process down the aisle.

  “Running sounds like a really good idea, actually,” Elora whispered, as she got a good look at just how full the courtyard was.

  When Alysa didn’t answer, Elora turned to find her gazing in awe at the courtyard, tears glistening in her eyes.

  “Oh, Elora,” Alysa sighed reverently. “I have no words.”

  The courtyard was overflowing with flowers. Every bed was awash in color, filled with roses, and hydrangeas, azaleas and rhododendrons. The preacher was standing at the front of the courtyard beneath a trellis that was dripping with purple wisteria blooms. Huge white lilies were planted at the end of each bench and a carpet of tiny pale blue flowers filled the gaps between the large stones of the walkway. It was breathtaking.

  “Is it what you had imagined?” Elora asked, please by her reaction.

  “It is so much more. So much more. I don’t know how you did it! Thank you,” she said wiping the tears from her eyes and wrapping Elora in a hug.

  At that moment, Danny Jenkins played the opening cords of the traditional Binding Hymn on his guitar. Alysa pulled herself away, wiped her eyes once more and centered herself on the walkway. Clasping her hands in front of her, she took an encouraging breath, and stepped into the courtyard. Keeping her eyes locked on Trig, she took steady, measured steps in cadence with the song.

  “So, no running then?” Elora whispered.

  She heard a low chuckle from Alysa and smiled to herself as the congregation began to sing.

  Dear Holy Father, to You we lift our song

  We will sing Your praises our whole life long.

  Elora clasped her hands and mirrored Alysa’s steps a few paces behind her. She focused on the rose in Alysa’s hair and attempted to ignore the hundreds of eyes that were watching her every move.

  In Your wisdom, You have made us to be paired

  In Your mercy, You have given us a love to be shared

  A little past halfway down the aisle though, a hand reached out to touch Elora’s elbow and she looked over to see her parents beaming at her. As she smiled back at them she stepped forward and the person sitting beside her father came into view. She drew in a breath as she recognized the man from the road earlier that morning. They locked eyes once again and he smiled. It felt as if her heart had stopped for a moment. She wasn’t sure if she smiled back or not, she was so flustered. She nearly fell out of step with Alysa but jerked her gaze away and quickly recovered.

  Two hearts You bind together to weather the unknown, Two become one, for we’re not meant to live alone.

  As the end of the last verse hummed in the air, Alysa reached the trellis and took her place beside Trig. The smile they shared brought a lump to Elora’s throat as she walked the few remaining steps to stand behind Alysa. The procession over, a gentle creaking filled the air as the congregation took their seats on the worn wooden benches. Preacher Woodward lifted his hands to begin the ceremony, welcoming the town to the joyous occasion and asking all those in attendance to bow their heads in a prayer for the couple.

  Out of the corner of her eye Elora spotted Trig’s young niece break free of her mother’s arms and come toddling quickly toward them. Her eyes were locked on the beautiful lace train of Alysa’s gown and her clumsy little hands were reaching out to take hold of it. Elora moved swiftly to intercept the child, scooping her up into her arms and onto her hip. She smiled and held a finger to her lips, trying to put the little girl at ease and remind her to be quiet. Elora quickly carried her back to her mother, who smiled gratefully as she took the baby.

  No one seemed the wiser of the incident as nearly everyone had their head bowed in prayer. But as Elora turned to retake her position beside Alysa, she heard a gasp from behind her. She looked over her shoulder to see the handsome stranger on his feet, a shocked expression on his face, his gaze locked on her lower back. Her parents on the bench beside him were both wide eyed, their mouths slack. She realized that her wrap had slipped in the commotion and she hurried to adjust it. His eyes darted to hers and she quickly looked away, taking a few hasty steps to return to her place near the trellis. She looked around anxiously, trying t
o gauge who had seen the markings on her back. No one was looking at her, thank goodness. The congregation was instead staring with concern at the young man.

  “Did he see a bee?” someone whispered loudly.

  Suddenly the entire congregation was murmuring and looking around uneasily. Elora cautioned another glance at the young man. He was no longer staring at her, but was nervously scanning the crowd, obviously uncomfortable in the spotlight.

  “Everything alright, young man?” Preacher Woodward asked.

  “Yes, yes,” he replied. “I just thought I saw a b—“ he started, but as Elora began furiously shaking her head, he locked eyes with her and stopped short. “A wasp. I thought I saw a wasp, but it’s gone now.” He took his seat again, but his eyes remained on Elora. She gave him a weak smile and sighed in relief.

  The crowd stilled and refocused on the ceremony at hand. Elora turned back toward Preacher Woodward, attempting to listen as he spoke to Alysa and Trig about the blessings and challenges of living life with and for one another. He spoke of the permanence and significance of being bound. It was beautiful, what little she actually heard through the torrent of thoughts and emotions swirling around her brain.

  She remained acutely aware of the stranger among them and glanced over her shoulder a number of times to find his eyes on her. Obviously, he had seen the markings on her back. But he was neither disgusted nor frightened by them. He seemed to be in awe of them, as though he understood them, as though they meant something good. And the intensity of his reaction to seeing them was both thrilling and terrifying.

  “And now, let us witness as these two people choose to bind themselves to one another. Do you have your cords?” Preacher Woodward asked, holding out his hand.

  Elora snapped out of her reverie and fumbled to retrieve the cord from the small pouch tied to her waist. Gently, she pulled out the beautiful cord Alysa had entrusted to her. It was elegant and elaborate, consisting of bits of lace, intricately embroidered ribbons, and delicate white strips of satin from her dress all lovingly woven together in a representation of herself. Elora stepped forward and placed it in the preacher’s outstretched hand.

  Similarly, Nate placed Trig’s contribution to the binding cord into the Preacher’s hand. His was masculine in appearance and somewhat clumsily woven together, though obviously made with great care. Elora smiled as she looked at the cords and thought how beautifully they symbolized her friends.

  Preacher Woodward reached into his own satchel, pulling out a simple twine woven of golden threads. He placed the golden thread between the cords in his hand and knotted them together.

  “Elora, if you please,” he said, holding up the knot for her to hold. She stepped beside him and took hold of the knotted end. He then began to speak as he wove the strands together.

  “Both Alysa and Trig come to this union as whole people unto themselves. They have strengths and weaknesses and are capable of living a life of their own. This is represented by the cords they have created to symbolize themselves. Alysa has created something beautiful, but delicate,” he smiled at Alysa. “Trig’s cord is made of strong stuff, but is perhaps not as pleasing to look at,” he said with a chuckle that spread throughout the congregation. “Alone, these cords are useful and complete. They are enough. But God intended more for Alysa and Trig. He brought them together to create something new, something greater and better than it was before. As their cords combine to create a rope that is stronger, fuller, and more beautiful, so they too will unite to form a life in which burdens will be shared and joys will be multiplied. In the midst of this union is a gold cord, which represents our merciful and loving God. And as this gold thread helps to bind their cords, so God will help bind them together. Their promise to God will stand firm should their promise to each other weaken. And so this gold thread will strengthen this cord through adversity. And as this gold thread magnifies the beauty of the cord, so will God bless the union of Trig and Alysa.”

  Elora couldn’t help the tears that trickled from her eyes as she watched and listened to the beautiful symbolism playing out before her.

  “Trig and Alysa, face one another and join hands,” he said as he tied the final knot in their binding cord.

  Alysa and Trig turned to one another, their eyes locked, radiant smiles on their lips. Trig reached out and took her hand, raising it to his lips for a brief kiss before turning his attention back to the ceremony.

  Preacher Woodward draped the cord over their clasped hands. “Let us hear the vows you have prepared as you bind yourselves to one another from this day forward.” He stepped back and looked toward Alysa, prompting her to go first.

  “Trig, I have loved you and will love you my whole life,” she said, softly but clearly as she slowly wound the cord around her hand and wrist. “I promise to bring you joy, to share in your sorrow, to be your comfort. I will be your companion, your friend, your partner, your love, no matter what life may bring. I am yours and you are mine, praise be to God.”

  As she completed her vow, she finished wrapping the cord around her forearm and looked up at Trig, who was beaming, his eyes glistening. Now his turn, Trig cleared his throat and took a settling breath before taking hold of the opposite end of the cord. He slowly began winding it around his arm.

  “Alysa, I can’t ever imagine being worthy of your love but I intend to spend the rest of my life trying to deserve it,” he said, his voice thick. “I will cherish you, protect you, encourage you and support you. I promise with everything I am to love you and our children, may there be many,” he winked slyly at her and Alysa couldn’t help but laugh through her happy tears. He wrapped the cord once more as he looked solemnly in her eyes and said, “I am yours and you are mine, praise be to God.”

  Preacher Woodward stepped forward again and raised his hands.

  “It is my great pleasure to announce the union of Alysa and Trig Davenport as they have bound themselves to one another on this day before God and these witnesses. Let us all rejoice as they celebrate the beginning of their new life together,” he cried out, his voice exuberant.

  The congregation rose to their feet, clapping and cheering in genuine happiness. Alysa laughed as she wiped the tears from her eyes. Still bound together by their cord, Trig wrapped his free hand around the nape of her neck and pulled her in for a sweet and lingering kiss.

  Elora clapped and laughed with joy, completely abandoning any effort to stem the tears that were flowing freely down her cheeks. It had been more beautiful and romantic than she could ever have imagined. She was completely lost in the emotions of the moment until she happened to glance at her parents and the handsome stranger. They had ceased clapping and were staring, mesmerized by something behind her. She turned in time to see a new wisteria blossom cascade into bloom on the trellis near where she was standing. Her hand flew to her mouth in horror and she quickly looked around to see if anyone else had noticed. Thankfully everyone seemed to be enchanted by the young couple. Alysa was laughingly pushing away Trig as he stole a few more kisses from his new wife.

  “Calm down. Breathe. Be in control,” she thought, closing her eyes and focusing on slowing her heart and quieting her thoughts.

  She opened her eyes and unconsciously sought out the gaze of the handsome stranger. He was watching her, a small smile dancing on his lips and excitement in his eyes. She cocked her head to the side, struck by his unexpected reaction. Looking over at her parents, she saw an unmistakable expression of pride on her father’s face. Her mother, however, was biting her lip in an attempt to keep it from trembling and her eyes were glistening with the tears she was holding back.

  At that moment, Trig and Alysa began to walk back down the aisle, their joined hands lifted triumphantly into the air eliciting another uproarious cheer from the congregation. Elora looked away from her parents just in time to see Nate step towards her and hold out his arm. She smiled as she took hold of his elbow and a
llowed him to escort her down the aisle behind the happy couple.

  Their exit was not nearly as formal as their entrance, with people reaching out to touch and embrace them as they moved. Everyone was exuberant and joyful after having watched the emotional ceremony. The townspeople were enchanted with the newly bound couple and couldn’t wait to express their excitement. But Trig hadn’t given anyone a chance, charging down the aisle with a giggling Alysa in tow. His brother Nate, however, politely meandered down the aisle at a respectable gate. He and Elora smiled and acknowledged the kind comments that were showered upon them as they walked. She was uncomfortable with the attention and quickly grew impatient with their slow progression. Especially once she lost sight of her parents and the handsome young stranger.

  Elora smiled awkwardly as yet another person touched her arm and remarked on her beautiful dress and how lovely everything had been. Her attention was suddenly diverted as she caught sight of something bizarre from the corner of her eye. The large bush that topped the wall in the corner of the courtyard was rustling vigorously. As Elora watched, a young man with long blond hair stepped out from the bush, briefly made eye contact with her, and then jumped down to the other side of the wall.

  She froze, her eyes wide with alarm as she instantly recognized the man. It was the same one who had been in the market, the one she suspected had been following her. She hadn’t seen him since the encounter a week ago that had resulted in a rosebush. She had hoped that perhaps she wouldn’t see him again. But apparently, he was still here and still watching her.

  She was jolted out of her shock by a gentle tug from Nate. He was looked at her concerned and followed her gaze up to the courtyard wall where the man had been hiding.

  “Are you alright?” he asked, kindly.

  “Yes. Yes,” she said, trying to recover her wits. “Can we just hurry a bit?” she smiled.

  “Of course! Just hang on,” he said with a mischievous grin reminiscent of Trig.