Annemarialana woke slowly and pleasantly from the dream. It lingered for several moments in her mind; she simply laid there, relaxed, and savored the feeling. Soon, the peace left her and a sense of urgency spurred her to get up, to leave the warmth and safety of her bed, and to dress quickly.

Annemari paused to breath in the cool morning air when she reached the base of the tree that held her home. The air smelled of the earth and the trees. It was a good smell, one that filled her with strength. The druidess felt the life of the forest stirring all around her; she longed to run in the forest and share in the simple joys of its creatures.

But today she could not give into such primitive, selfish desires.

Forcing herself to move, Annemari quickly traveled to the Grove, darting from shadow to shadow. To those she passed, elf, invader, and animal alike, she was little more than a fleeting memory. She had no time dally today and had no intention allowing herself to be delayed.

The young elf paused before Lanac, still cloaked in shadow, and straightened herself. It was always important to give the proper appearance, and she very rarely let others see her rushed. By the time she stepped into view, Annemari's breathing had slowed and her appearance was calm. She smiled slightly at Lanac and received a curt nod in return. Lanac's face never changed, remaining forever vigilant and passive. The elf had never once seen him smile, even despite all the attempts to make him laugh during her childhood. His consistency, however grim, was always a comfort.

Annemari headed straight for the gardens where Cewyn could usually be found coaxing his exotic flowers to thrive in the Vallenwood's climate. Most of them were more used to hotter, wetter places in Tropica, but somehow he usually managed to convince them to bloom. Annemari, on the other hand, rarely had the patience for such things, and preferred to direct her attention to the plants and animals that thrived more easily here. As she suspected, Cewyn was crouched predictably among his flowers.

"Hello, Annemari." Cewyn said, without looking up, before Annemari could sneak up on him. She indulged herself in a good pout for a moment, disappointed that she hadn't been able to sneak up on him today. "You never give up, do you?"

Annemari grinned as he turned towards her and shrugged. "I'll get you, one of these days."

"I'll have to remember to let you, just so you'll stop pouting." Cewyn replied, reaching out to tweak Annemari's bottom lip where it still hung petulantly. The druidess swayed out of reach and made a face.

"Anyway, I had a dream last night," Annemari began, the pouting and teasing gone from her voice as her more serious purpose returned to mind, "and I think today is special, for some reason. I think we're supposed to get married today."

Cewyn looked at Annemari a bit blankly for a moment before he asked if it wasn't rather short notice for a wedding. Annemari laughed and smiled.

"I've lived most of my life in the too-bright sunshine. Today is our day, to have as we please. I waited while they poked and prodded, looking for flaws in you. I want this for us, without an audience, and without my family."

Cewyn smiled reluctantly. "If you say it's alright.."

Annemari batted innocent eyelashes at Cewyn. "Now, now, would I do anything anyone would disapprove of?" Annemari waited for Cewyn to groan and roll his eyes at her before she took his hand and pulled him insistently towards the pond. "C'mon, lets find Yui'ko."

Most elves turned up at the Lhedr-Eowyl Pond, eventually. It wasn't long before the Priestess Yui'ko appeared, seeking the tranquility of the pond for her meditations. However, when she saw Annemari and Cewyn talking near the pond, her plans immediately changed. With a knowing smile, Yui'ko drifted over to the couple.

"Hello, Annemari and Cewyn," She interrupted as she stopped before them.

"Greetings, Priestess," Annemari answered with slight, respectful nod. "I was hoping to find you here. I – We – wanted to ask a favor."

"Yes, of course I will." Yui'ko responded immediately. Annemari glanced at Cewyn, who shrugged. Priests were like that sometimes.

Yui'ko beckoned and led the them to a secluded grove. Annemari's spine tingled faintly as she stepped within and she knew immediately that this was a sacred place. Noticing the young druidess's slight gasp, the priestess smiled and nodded. Cewyn was only a few steps behind Annemari and Yui'ko, and the moment he entered the grove, he stopped to let the feeling of power and life wash over him.

Returning to Cewyn's side, Annemari took his hand and pulled him gently forward, until they were both standing in front of Yui'ko. The faced each other, their hands still clasped lightly, while the priestess began the ceremony. It was simple, as ceremonies go, but each word, each gesture, was filled with special meaning.

She began by asking for Zandreya's blessing. She knelt in prayer and the holy feeling of the grove intensified. In soft, musical elvish, she led Annemari and Cewyn through the ceremony. When prompted, they responded, but for the most part they were quiet, awed and overwhelmed with feeling. Tears were rolling freely down Annemari's cheeks by the time the ceremony came to a close, and Cewyn's eyes looked a little damp. Yui'ko was dry-eyed, but no less happy.

"May Zandreya bless your union." Yui'ko said with a smile before she left the newlyweds to celebrate as they would.