Dumadin laughed, “Nope, but I warned you I will not give up. If you want the lady you will earn it or you will fail.”
Bjorn nodded, “Good, a proper dwarf you are and not some pansy elf.”
The clock in the hall began to chime the hour and Bjorn stood. “Okay then, I will see you in the square. May the gods give me the strength to prove my worth.” Bjorn and Dunstun exited the room and Felton looked at Dumadin.
“So what was all that about?” Felton asked while eyeing his friend, who chuckled at him.
Terets answered while shaking his head, “Apparently the dwarves have a marriage tradition here. As do the elves and humans, each special in their own way. The ceremony will end today hopefully with the two clasping hands through a marriage stone and pledging their lives to each other. That is the human tradition and makes a certain sense. The elvish way I understand involves a ballad to be written about the bride and a unique crafted gift of to be made by the groom. The female elf only needs turn up and look pretty, which for them is a given.”
Dumadin started to grin as Terets continued, “The dwarven tradition is a little more odd. The female will be escorted by her friends and her champion. The groom is to wait for them, then declare his love before all for the bride. The Champion then objects and challenges the groom to one competition of the Champion’s choosing. The challenges can range from crafting, to drinking, to fighting. If the marriage is between friendly clans then the challenge can be decided beforehand, to give the groom a hand up. If they aren’t friendly then the champion usually picks something the groom is horrible at and hopes he loses.”
Felton frowned, “But what if the bride and groom really love each other?”
“Then she better pick a champion that will help her, the custom doesn’t take into account love. There are stories Bjorn talks about where lovers run off together, but they are both dishonored and tossed from their clans.” Dumadin finished and put his feet up on the table and leaned back looking smug.
“Don’t tell me she picked you to champion her?” Felton laughed.
“Yup, even after I told her it was a bad idea as I don’t intentionally lose fights. She apparently doesn’t have any living kin left and as a hero of Stoutbank, she chose me.” Dumadin thunked back down and looked at him, “I gave him a choice of fists or weapons. He chose fists and was grinning when he picked them, so I have a feeling he has an ace up his beard.”
Terets laughed and slapped his friend on the back, “Let’s go see the women over at Tanned Hides and get ready for the event.”
Dumadin stood and smiled, “Bet you he has the ability Unarmed Fighting. That was why he was grinning so large when he chose fists.”
Terets laughed, “No bet. I paid attention during our one fight helping him. He knocked three people out with his off hand.”
Dumadin winced, “Oh this is going to be painful. Hmm, I wonder if I can talk Emelia into letting me borrow her necklace for the fight?”
Felton laughed, “Ha, I see you want an ace of your own. But if he does have that ability, it won’t help.”
“You’re right but it will make the fight look so much better. It will prolong it and make it more epic, give folks something to talk about years from now.” Dumadin grinned as they left the room and wandered out through the crowd.
As they got to Tanned Hides, Dado greeted them outside the door. “Welcome Heroes. I am part of the honor guard detachment to escort the bride. I am to walk with your lady, while you walk with the bride, Dumadin.”
Dumadin grinned, “She likes them bearded Dado, so be careful of her hands.” Dado blushed and blinked at Dumadin and shifted slightly.
Terets knocked on the door and murmured, “Deviants.”
Kittish answered the door and giggled, having heard Terets’s comment, “What did he do this time?”
“The usual, what else? Are you all ready?” Terets stepped back as Amythyst came out dressed in a cream and gold dress that clung to her form. His eyes grew round and roved over her and he started to blush.
Amythyst giggled and gave him a small curtsy, which dipped her neckline enough that he went from pink to red. As she looked up she giggled and took his arm, “Good. I’m glad you like the dress. I am ready for the wedding.”
Terets shook his head and stepped down into the street and waited for the others, while casting glances at Amythyst.
Emelia stepped out of the shop in a black and silver dress very similar to Amythyst's and took Felton’s arm. “It seems they don’t do the matching bridesmaids dresses here.”
Felton grinned at her, using his extra height to enjoy the view as his eyes slipped to her. “I see now why Terets blushed,” which caused Em to poke him in the side and grin up at him.
Alvira stepped out in a purple and emerald dress with Theresa on her arm in an emerald and purple dress. “We are ready as well.”
Dumadin let his eyes rove Alvira a few moments and smirked, “I see that. Trying to give the groom an edge by distraction.”
Kittish stepped out in a silver and blue dress and laughed, taking Dado’s arm, “Yup.”
Dumadin eyed her, his eyes bright with delight, “Now that is not fair, but I will do my best.” He stole a kiss from Kittish and sidled up next to Em. “Can I borrow your necklace, please?”
Emelia took it off and handed it to him with a questioning face. He winked at her and went back to the door of the shop as Tabitha came out in a pure white dress with gold and silver lacing. The dress had a modest amount of cleavage, but was tight enough to make it known how endowed the bride was. Dumadin bowed deeply, “My lady, I am ready to protect your honor.” He offered her his arm and taking the end of the line called out the step.
Dumadin noted Felton whispering to Em and she cast a glance back at him causing him to smile. Em’s eyes sparkled with laughter as she turned back to the front. As they got close to the square a small band started the wedding march. The groom stood in a fine suit with Dunstun next to a large round stone with a hole large enough for a couple to hold hands though. As the line approached, the pairs bowed and curtsied to the groom and split to either side. Bjorn’s eyes never even glanced at the plunging necklines that dipped before him, but Dunstun’s face grew pink. The music cut off as Tabitha and Dumadin stopped in front of the groom.
“Tabitha McAndrew, I Bjorn Tankardson, Declare my love for you and ask you to wed me.” Bjorn declared in a deep and loving tone, his eyes drinking her in.
Dumadin dragged her back a step and placed himself between them, “What makes you worthy of her love?”
Bjorn began to recite all of his accomplishments in life, as he finished Dumadin smirked. “Not enough Bjorn. To win this lady’s affection you must best me in single unarmed combat.”
Bjorn bowed and began to strip off his jacket, handing it to Dunstun. “What are the rules of this fight?”
Dumadin smirked, “Best of three falls. No other rules, as one must be prepared for all kind of tricks to save one’s love from death.” Dumadin stripped off his own jacket and tossed it to Terets. “We start on my mark.”
The crowd formed a rough circle around the combatants a good hundred feet wide. They could hear bets being placed and various comments from the crowd. “There will be no stopping until one of us has had his back touch the dirt three times by his opponent’s strikes. Are you ready to fight for Tabitha’s love, Bjorn?”
Bjorn’s face grew dark, and glowering he nodded, not taking his eyes from Dumadin. “I would fight anyone who stands between me and my love.”
Dumadin nodded and taking a boxing pose he smiled, “Then let love conquer me, FIGHT!”
Bjorn attacked as the word left Dumadin’s lips. Dumadin had to quickly sidestep to avoid the lunge at his legs. Dumadin quickly moved away to put more distance between them as Bjorn came back to his feet and smiled mockingly. “Oh well, it was worth the attempt. I figured a hero of Stoutbank wouldn’t be taken easily.”
They circled each other as the crowd cheered t
hem on and shouted encouragement. Dumadin moved forward with balanced steps jabbing at Bjorn. Bjorn kept slapping the fists away and gauging Dumadin’s moves. After a few seconds Bjorn moved quickly to Dumadin’s left and slipped his arm up under Dumadin’s left arm. “Oh fuck,” was all Dumadin got out as he left his feet lift. He slammed face first into the ground and Bjorn jumped on his back. Bjorn tried to get a hold on Dumadin to roll him onto his back. Dumadin grunted and got a leg under him as Bjorn realized his mistake. Pivoting, Dumadin threw himself backwards trying to pin Bjorn under him only to slam himself into the ground as Bjorn released him and rolled away.
“God damn slippery eel,” Dumadin muttered as he tried to stand, only to have Bjorn latch onto him again from behind. Bjorn kicked Dumadin’s legs out causing him to face plant again and groan. Bjorn shifted his grip and got Dumadin’s arm out at a bad angle, leaving Dumadin the rolling onto his back or having a broken arm. Growling, Dumadin resisted the turn onto his back for a few seconds then relented and turned, feeling his back meet the ground.
The crowd erupted into cheers as Bjorn released him and stood, accepting the cheers of the crowd. “That is one for me Dumadin, are you sure you want to suffer more such pain?” The crowd roared in laughter as Bjorn finished his question. Dumadin lay there and shook his head, “Didn’t know you were part weasel. I will not stand aside, I will protect the honor of Tabitha.” Dumadin began to stand when Bjorn rushed him, using a charge from the necklace Dumadin caught the boot and winked at Bjorn. “So you want to open up the field, okay with me.” Dumadin heaved with all his strength and pitched Bjorn off his feet.
Dumadin finished standing and then goggled as Bjorn tucked and completed a compact flip ending on his knees, his back never touching the ground. “Are you kidding me?” Dumadin exclaimed as Bjorn winked at him.
“I have waited a long time for the right to fight for Tabitha’s hand. I will not fail.” Bjorn stood and they began circling again. Shaking his head, Dumadin began to jab again as he slowly advanced on Bjorn. Bjorn chuckled and timed his move again, but this time as he tried to sidestep and grab Dumadin’s arm he met a knee coming up. Gasping as he clutched below his waist, Bjorn fell to his knees and Dumadin quickly shoved him, causing him to fall and roll onto his back.
The crowd jeered loudly and Dumadin bowed to the crowd as Bjorn lay there. “That is one for me Bjorn, stand down and you need not suffer more pain.” Dumadin taunted with a mockery of the words Bjorn had used earlier. Still gasping, Bjorn shook his head.
“I guess love is going to be in short supply today, then,” Dumadin muttered as he reached down for Bjorn. Bjorn cast dirt into his face as he was reaching, causing Dumadin to curse and step back, wiping at his eyes. The crowd laughed as Dumadin got the dirt out of his eyes just in time to see Bjorn pull back and land a thunderous right cross to his chin. Slumping down to one knee Dumadin shook his head as Bjorn clutched his hand.
“What in the bloody hell is your head made of?” Bjorn cried out shaking his hand.
Kittish giggled and spoke loud enough to be heard over the laughter of the crowd. “Granite, I think. He has the hardest head I’ve ever known.” The crowd roared with laughter as Dumadin got back to his feet and staggered for a second.
Bjorn grinned and came forward again thinking Dumadin was still dazed, only to catch a quick jab that rocked Bjorn back with a bloody lip. Dumadin now shook his hand with a grimace, “Gods damn it, is your head made of marble?” The laughter erupted again as the duo began to circle again.
Bjorn winked and suddenly there were two of him that charged Dumadin. “Oh come on,” Dumadin muttered as he lashed out at the right one only to watch it vanish. Suddenly he found himself flying through the air to land on his back, gasping as the breath was knocked out of him.
Bjorn chuckled and accepted the cheers of the crowd, “Love will conquer all.” Dumadin took a few deep breaths and then kipped up to his feet.
“All right then, two points for you against my one. Do you have any other tricks, Bjorn?” Dumadin asked as they began to circle again.
Bjorn just chuckled as they circled, each trying to find an opening. Dumadin lunged suddenly and latched onto Bjorn and heaved with all his strength. Bjorn landed face down, a second later Dumadin slammed on top of him. They thrashed for a moment until an elbow broke Dumadin’s nose, causing him to let go and back way. As his eyes watered he noticed Bjorn get to his feet and charge him. Using the necklace he knocked Bjorn’s foot away and backed off. He had to use the last charge of the necklace as Bjorn came back just as quickly with a jab at his already broken nose. Dumadin managed to grab the hand though, and using Bjorn’s forward movement tossed him into the front row. As the crowd caught Bjorn and pushed him back into the circle, Dumadin grabbed him and suplexed him.
Rolling to their feet they stopped and panted locking eyes. “This is it, Bjorn. Two for each of us, next fall wins it. Your love is on the line right now.” There was no taunting, only a flat statement.
Bjorn nodded, “I will not lose.” He then vanished from where he had been standing and the crowd erupted.
Dumadin cursed and began moving erratically and lashing out with small attacks in every direction. After a solid minute of nothing happening he slowed and backed towards the crowd, hoping to cover his back. As he neared the crowd he felt hands grab him by the shirt and crotch and lift him up off his feet. “Love conquers all!” was what he heard as flew through the air before landing hard on his back.
The crowd erupted and cheered chanting, Bjorn’s name. He waved them down and walked to Tabitha and knelt at her feet. “My love, I have conquered your champion and claim your hand.”
She placed a hand on his head and whispered to him, “I knew you would.” Standing, the two walked to the big stone where Dunstun stood with Theresa. As they approached they went to either side of it. Dunstun nodded and began speaking of love, and why there were gathered here today.
Dumadin sat up slowly and winced, but with a smile on his face. Kittish chuckled and cast Healing Pulse on him to heal his nose and pulled muscles, before helping him to his feet. “You did your best, love.” Kittish whispered to him and gave him a kiss. Alvira slid up to his other side and kissed him as well, “I am glad you didn’t win.” Dumadin chuckled, and placing an arm around each waist led them over to the crowd were Tabitha and Bjorn were exchanging vows. As they finished reciting the vows they placed their hands though the stone and grasped each other’s forearm.
Dunstun raised his hands and in a clear strong voice called out, “So the two become one and may their path be filled with love.” The crowd erupted into the loudest cheer today as the couple met in front of the stone and exchanged a deep kiss.
As they broke apart Bjorn called out, “Let the celebration begin!” With that, the gathering headed to the tables set up around the square, each finding their marked place. The feast began with drink and food, and many toasts were called out to the bride and groom.
As they food was finished the music began, and so did the dancing. The first dance between the bride and groom was an exquisite number of elegance and grace. As it finished, the money dances began. Dumadin explained to Felton, when he asked, that it was like the tradition of pinning money to the bride’s dress for a dance. However, here you dropped what coin you were giving to the couple in the pouch on the main table and stood your turn in line. The songs were thirty seconds long, and there were lines for bride and groom. Felton nodded as Dumadin finished explaining, and taking Emilia's hand they went and got into their lines.
Dumadin sat and watched as each person took their turn dancing with one or the other of the bridal couple. As the lines dwindled, he got up and, placing his coin into the pouch, waited for the next dance. As the song ended, only Dumadin walked onto the floor and the crowd began to laugh. Dumadin bowed to Bjorn and held out his hands in leading position, “My turn.” Bjorn erupted into laughter and took his hands. The dance begun with much laughter as each dwarf tried to lead the dance
. As the song ended, the entire party was laughing and clapping. Dumadin stood back when the music died and held up a hand, “He is too much for me, I yield.”
Tabitha demanded a dance of her own and bowing, Dumadin held out his arms again in leading position, “As you wish.” Tabitha grabbed him and placed his hands into the following positions and led the dance herself to another round of laughter from all who watched. As the song ended Dumadin stepped back and called out, “She has bested me, I yield again.”
The party became very festive then with a lot of other folk deciding to try switching dancing roles. Terets asked when he came back to the table, “So, who was the better lead?”
Dumadin laughed, “They are evenly matched.” His eyes twinkled as he watched everyone having a merry time. “Besides, look at them all trying something new, laughing and having a grand time. My mission is accomplished, I wanted to shake them up and expand them. Besides, maybe I’ve started a new tradition where dwarves who lose have to dance with the groom.”
The group fell over with laughter as he finished speaking. Felton and Em bid them a good night and promised to speak with them on the morrow. The party carried on as the newlyweds slipped away to enjoy their first night together. Terets and Amythyst wished the lovers a good night and logged out as well. Dumadin smiled at Kittish who stood with him as they wandered into town away from the party.
Last Horizon: Beta Page 41
