KH: A Gather Wedding Part 1

Posted on Thu Apr 17th, 2025 @ 7:13pm by Sr Journeyman Rena & Sr Journeyman Bensen

Mission: 3531 AL
Location: Kymos Hold
Timeline: M2 D29

Lord Oben smiled as they walked back to where Bensen had left Rena. He kept glancing at his wife half shocked and half amused that Bensen of all his children was doing this. “Explain this one last time, Bensen?” The older man asked as they stepped outside to the garden. Glowbaskets had been arranged around the hall and gardens to create an enchanting atmosphere and Oben thought it would be the perfect setting for a wedding. Lady Sena had certainly been shocked by Bensen’s declaration, but of course none of this had been handled normally.

“Halia, one of the Harpers from the Weyr has offered to marry Rena and I,” Bensen answered. “Which we both want but we wanted both of you there as well.” Oben nodded as he spotted the five riders standing with 2 harpers. It certainly felt like they were wanted there as there would be more than enough witnesses without them.

“I am honoured you came to find us.” He said as he watched the 2 female riders helping Rena with something in hushed voices. Rena looked up as Jena placed a hastily created garland on her head from 2 different pieces of fabric and several flowers.

“It might be a quick affair but your bride is going to be beautiful.” Jena declared, looking like she might have been the ringleader before bowing to the Lord Holders formally.

“Of course. I couldn't get married without my parents there,” Bensen said. His family meant the world to him. He smiled as he glanced over at Rena. “She is already beautiful,” he answered.

Sena laughed. “Blinded by love,” she smiled at her son before joining the girls. She unclipped the necklace around her throat as she joined them. “Here, Rena. It will match perfectly.”

Rena looked confused as the necklace was placed around her neck but nodded when she realised there were tiny little flowers all over it that match the garland. “Thank you.” She leaned up to catch the woman’s hand. “And thank you for rushing here.”

Sena gave her daughter-in-law a warm smile. “But of course. We wouldn't want to be anywhere else,” she said softly. She was so happy for both of them. Finally something good.

Rena squeezed her close in the first hug in many months. “Thank you even so.” Rena had lost her parents at a young age so it was relief to have someone to guide her how she needed sometimes.

Halia breathed a sigh of relief as Moni blinked from between with some hide and ink filled pens. The Harper on duty at the Weyr had more than helped her with making sure she could do a good job. “I have everything.” She announced putting the items down on the nearby table. She moved a couple of glows to make an area before she was happy. She glanced at the riders and smiled as it seemed no one was leaving.

Sena returned the hug. The girl had a good heart and she was glad to keep Rena in the family. She had no doubt that Rena and Bensen would be good together.

S'lei smiled at his mate. “You certainly know how to get things done,” he told her. He was glad she was able to help the pair though.

Bensen grinned. “Thank you all for your help tonight.”

“Anytime.” I’han slipped him something. “Think you might need this for later on unless you have a trinket to exchange.” The bronze rider gave him a bracelet that had a small runner carved onto. “Was going to be for my son but I think you deserve it more.” Rena had caught the riders up on the events that had led to this quick marriage.

“Sometimes.” Halia commented gently to S’lei as she indicated that Bensen and Rena should come together. Rena smiled at him as Jena undid the last curl so her hair was down around the garland. She looked different from her first wedding day as stepped up towards the Harper.

Bensen glanced down at the bracelet. “Thank you, I'han.” It was perfect. He wasn't sure how but between everyone they had pulled this together. He turned and smiled brightly at Rena before joining her.

Halia had done ceremonies before and had perfect words for each occasion but her mind was whirling with what to say as she spoke. "Today, we gather in fellowship to witness and celebrate the joining of two lives, bound by shared history and strengthened by love and hope for the future. This union is not just of two individuals, but of two hearts that have weathered loss, embraced healing, and now look forward to building a life together."

Rena stepped up to Bensen, taking his hands in her own, looking up at him, smiling still. It was a whirlwind but it was not being done alone.

"In Pern’s tradition, marriage is a bond of partnership, trust, and mutual respect—a promise to face the challenges of life as one, and to share its joys in equal measure. For Bensen and Rena this is a new beginning filled with promise."

S'lei stepped back with the others as Halia started the ceremony. He smiled at his mate as she came up with the perfect words. Bensen couldn't take his eyes off Rena as he listened to Halia's words. They all rang true and were perfect for this occasion. Sena stood by her husband, smiling broadly. She had never seen her son so happy and Rena looked beautiful.

Jena looked at K’vin and squeezed his hand. She had not been to a wedding in turns and was glad that they were there. It was romantic even in its haste and quickness. She loved listening to Halia’s words.

"And now, before the gathered witnesses of this Hold, I ask you to speak the words and exchange trinkets that will bind your hearts and lives together. Rena?” The harper asked the woman who smiled more as she requested to go first when Bensen had gone to get his parents.

“By the Harper's witness, I take you as my partner in life. Together, we will build a life rooted in trust, respect, and care, as strong as the walls of our Hold and as enduring as the stars over Pern. With this necklace, you will have the morning's first musical notes and evening's last musical notes.” Rena meant every word she said as she took out a necklace she had worn every day since coming to Kymos, which she had purchased the morning she arrived. She leant up and put the now stringed musical note charm over his neck.
K'vin smiled at Jena, squeezing her hand back. This was certainly special.

Bensen smiled as he watched Rena. He couldn't believe this was happening. Wait, words? Ooh he hadn't thought about that, but as he listened to Rena he knew what he needed to say. He bent his head a little to help her.

“By the Harper's Witness and our friends surrounding us I take you as my wife and best friend for life. I know with you by my side we can accomplish anything. I shall stand by you through any storm that comes our way and shall return to your side with my last breath. I love you,” he finished, slipping the bracelet from I'han onto her wrist.

Halia smiled at the stunned expression on her fellow Harper’s face as she reached up and wiped a stray tear from her face at his words after the bracelet was fitted. It was perfect to her as a symbol of what he had said to her earlier in the day around the Runners. "A token, no matter how small, carries with it a world of meaning more precious than words. It symbolises the promises you make today, the love you share, and the commitment you will carry into the days to come. These trinkets are more than simple objects; they are reminders of your bond, to be held close in times of joy and challenge alike." Halia looked at the pair smiling as she watched the bride lean up to caress his cheek. Bensen reached up to gently brush the tear from her cheek. He was struggling to keep his own emotions in check but as soon as she touched his cheek a single tear slid down his cheek.

Rena smiled and brushed it from his cheek as they were both getting emotional. She had not expected to feel like she was there and then.

“Today, we have witnessed the joining of two hearts, two lives, bound not only by love but by shared respect and understanding. I pronounce your union complete. Go forth, hand in hand, and may your days be as bright as the stars above. You may now kiss, and in doing so, seal your vows and your love before us all." Halia said hoping she had not miss read the emotions between them both.

Bensen smiled brightly as he stepped closer to Rena. “Ready for a nice life?” He whispered, leaning down to kiss Rena gently. He had never felt such emotions.
Rena accepted the kiss and found herself kissing him back as his arms wrapped around her as her own wrapped around his neck. It was not unwelcome if not surprising. She eventually pulled back from the kiss looking up at him surprised at her reaction and nodded.

“I think so.” She whispered as people cheered around them. Halia smiled at the pair looking a little smug as she had been correct about the tension between them she started filling out the record there and then.
Bensen was shocked by Rena's deeper kiss but not at all disappointed. It meant they had a real chance. A chance to build a life and replace some of their grief with love and happiness. He grinned as Rena pulled away, barely noticing the cheers around them.

Sena hugged her husband. “They did it,” she whispered.

Oben was surprised by the words and kiss. “I do not believe this is as political as they both believe.” The man whispered amused. “Much like we did not.” He said with a more private grin to Sena.

“Apologies for breaking the moment Lord Bensen, Lady Rena. I need you to sign both copies.” She indicated both copies of the records she had created, one to send back to the Weyr with Moni and one for her to take to the Hold Records now.

Rena looked at Bensen still surprised, blushing at his gaze and turned thankful that Halia had broken the moment. “Of course. We should let you go to your own celebrations.” The riders were all due for a certain part of the evening. Rena signed both copies and offered the pen to Bensen.

“We would not change being here for anything. It was beautiful.” Jena said happily.

Sena smiled. “I have to agree. They look so happy.” She knew that the kids would be okay.

Bensen was flushed but happy as Rena pulled away. He accepted the pen to add his own signature to the hides. “And I am so glad that you all were here for this special and wonderful occasion.”

“Would not have missed it son. We shall see you back at the gather ball.” Lord Oben suggested thinking that perhaps they needed a few moments alone together.

Rena turned to look at everyone and accepted several hugs from the riders until it was just herself, Bensen, Halia and S’lei. Halia smiled happily and picked up the first one and rolled it up giving it to Moni. “Give this to Dersax. Stay with him until he puts it into the records.” She instructed the blue who chirped knowing this instruction well and blinked away taking the other items back to the Weyr with him. “Thank you so much for letting me do this for you. It has been an honour.” Halia stated picking up the second copy to place in Kymos records herself.

Bensen nodded. “Thank you father. We will be along shortly,” he promised, hugging his mother.

He then returned to Rena's side as Halia and S'lei stood there. The brown rider was quiet but smiling. Bensen couldn't keep a smile from his face either. “I am glad you were here, Halia. And thank you for doing this.”

“Anytime Lord Bensen. I will go and find a Harper based here to get these out into Kymos’ record but it will be input into the Weyrs records as well as I am one of their Harpers. I have a brown rider escorting me so it should not be hard to arrange.” She teased her mate just a little as she took his hand in her own. “Congratulations though. I am sure I will see you dancing later.” She inclined her head as Rena said farewell and the pair were left alone again.

Rena looked at little shellshocked for a moment before she smiled and leaned up playing with the note on a string. “I will get you a better necklace soon.” She teased a little.

Bensen smiled as S'lei playfully tickled Halia's side. the brown rider was glad things were going well. And this had been a nice surprise.

Once they left, Bensen turned to Rena. A lot had happened in a short time. “I love it. No need to worry,” he assured her. “It is very you and reminds me of you.”

“Well you will need something a little more durable.” She surmised, smiling as she settled it back on his chest. “And I meant every word.” She added softly. “Thank you for all of this and for giving me something I have not had in a very long time… a little bit of hope.” She whispered gently as she heard the music starting in the distance.

“Perhaps. Right now though it is perfect,” he assured her. He loved the necklace. “As did i. And I am glad I could give you some hope. We still have a long road ahead but I have no doubt we'll get through it.”

The woman nodded silently as she looked at him intrigued. She did not think the road was as long as he thought it might be but she was going to keep that to herself until she could gather her thoughts together. “What would you like to do now?” She wondered quietly.

Bensen thought for a minute. “I'm not quite ready to face the crowd yet,” he admitted. Although they would be expected soon enough. “Do you object to just staying here a bit longer and enjoying the quiet?”

“Together? Alone? It is allowed now.” She said smiling a little more as she herself would rather just enjoy the quiet for a moment.

He laughed a bit. “You’re right it is.” He would have to get used to that. “Than I say we just enjoy the peace while we can.”

The woman nodded. There was going to be a lot more conversation between them and some people were going to have a lot of questions for them. “We can wander the gardens if you would like?” She said thinking how different it was between them from 12 candlemarks before.

Bensen smiled. “That sounds nice.” The gardens were very pretty and for the moment they were quiet. He knew they would be bombarded by questions in no time.

“Then lead the way, husband,” Rena said, smiling a little more as someone said it for the first time. She was the one with a little more experience in marriage and relationships, so she would have to find a way to weather this change.

The young man nearly tripped at Rena's words. “Okay being called husband is going to take getting used to,” he smiled, righting himself. “But I like it.”