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This is a WIP, NaNoWriMo 2015, Forest Wed. A small town in the rain forest is protected by two gods, represented by married avatars, each chosen by their god. When one of the pair dies, the gods choose a new couple from the unmarried young people–a choosing which took place with Addan–and Kaie, who was engaged. (I’ve skipped over some wedding preparations.)
The priest cleared his throat to get the crowd’s attention. Slowly, the soft murmur of conversation faded away, into silence filled by the thrum of the jungle–bird calls and rustling leaves and dripping water from an earlier rain.
“We are gathered here today for an auspicious occasion,” the priest said, “Kaie and Adann stand before us now to join their lives together, until the gods take them into the heavens. Let us celebrate this moment with them.”
He waited a moment, and then turned his attention to the two young people in front of him, speaking to them, though his voice still pitched to carry. “Marriage is an ever changing goal, as the people within it grow, and their needs shift. It is not the task of one partner to shoulder the weight of this joining. You must work together, and never forget to share your joys, sorrows, hopes, and dreams. Reach out for each other, and you will not fail.”
* * *
(Though I’m still bogged down in the slightly past middle, I’m writing. Thanks for the encouragement!)
Beikife is a small town in something like the Amazon rain forest, protected by a pair of married gods. The gods are represented by human avatars, two young people chosen and married by divine power. The strength of the marriage represents the bond between the gods’ blessing, so the new forest wed must find a way to connect to each other, or the crops will fail, the rivers will flood, and the cursed monsters that live in the forest will claim many lives.
caitlinsternwrites 
This sounds like a nice theory, but given that he was pledged to another woman it might be hard to put the theory into practice.
Yep. The priest is trying to help, but words alone don’t cut it in a situation like this. Still, they can’t hurt, right?
I like he priest’s words, no marriage is without effort. We have to see how much effort he puts into it since he had eyes for another young lady.
Kaie being engaged before he was chosen is going to make life difficult. Doesn’t it just always?
Thus the real trouble starts! Nice homily, Caitlin. I wonder what the repercussions of cheating are? This should get interesting!
Trouble is rather snowballing for these two–and they have the rest of their lives to deal with the repercussions, which is a mixed blessing.
Love the way you’ve set the scene, as well as the priest’s words. Unfortunately, it might be tough going for these two, since they can’t be too thrilled at the situation.
You’re quite right. The priest is trying his best to help, but in order for advice to help–the people you’re advising have to listen!
Are you writing this from the omniscient POV? That’s what it feels like.
My POV rather wobbled in my draft, but settled into an alternating limited omniscient, which I think will work. Except for the beginning…
A wonderful scene, but I wonder if Kaie’s former fiance will make any objections.
Probably. 😉
True words… wonder how he’ll manage it though. 😉
With great effort. 🙂
At this point in my life, I’m happy to wake up and not worry about foolin’ around. or maybe I am. Thats where the Vertigo came from.
Everybody has some worries, right?
The priest is giving good advice but I seriously question the foundation of this marriage, especially with the jilted fiancee in the wings. But loving the story!
The start of this story was the ‘what if’ question–‘what if you were forced to marry a stranger?’
Under some conditions, that kind of union can work, but of course I’m going to make it difficult for them. 😉
I agree with Veronica. I think this one isn’t starting out on solid ground. That could make for an interesting story. 🙂
Got to have something to make the story fun, right?
The priest sounds like he thinks all is well, but he did love another woman. This makes an interesting story.
It’s a lot of responsibility to marry the forest wed–and under such circumstances, too. The priest is trying. 🙂
It will be a tough marriage, no doubt. Beautiful description as always. I wonder what is going through their minds as they begin this new life together? Can’t wait to read more. 🙂
Lots of stuff is going on in their heads–some of it panicked, some of it angry.
I really like the priest’s speech. Even if this marriage isn’t a love match, maybe they can grow in love over time.
That’s what everyone hopes will happen!
Lovely sentiments, but I’d like to know what they’re really thinking. Great set-up for the conflict to come.
There are discussions of feelings to come–probably some that need cutting, too.
The editing… the horrors!
Wonderful words of the preacher – now can they make it work – or does their author have plans for them 🙂
Would I make their life horribly difficult? No… not me! 😉