The Sacred Union of Sambrune: Illiana and Tia ‘neath Eilistraee’s Gaze
By Eleawen Galadiel
Beneath the starry vault of Sambrune’s temple, where the moon’s light doth filter through stained glass like a silver blessing, two souls did seal their fate. Illiana and Tia, bound by a love as pure as the morning dew, did exchange their vows ‘neath the kind gaze of Eilistraee, the Lady of the Dance, goddess of beauty, music, and true love.
The ceremony, solemn and intimate, was held according to the sacred rites of Faerune. Eilistraee, revered by the elves — and most especially by repentant drow — doth embody the harmony ‘twixt light and shadow, grace and strength. Her followers, oft artists, musicians, or dancers, see in Her a guide to a life of truth and creativity.
Yet Sambrune, ever eager to celebrate, would not stop there. After the sacred vows, a secular feast did burst forth in the adjacent streets, where laughter and songs did ring until the dawn.. « When two hearts do unite, ‘tis all of Arche Terre that doth dance », did declare a guest, his glass raised to the stars.
And I, thine humble chronicler, could not help but smile as I beheld Illiana and Tia, hand in hand, spinning to the rhythm of an improvised waltz. « Even Erevan, the god of tricks, could not resist the urge to bless such a union », thought I. After all, love, be it sacred or profane, is the fairest of ruses… the one that doth unite rather than divide.
If Erevan doth teach cunning, Eilistraee doth remind us that the greatest of magics is to know how to dance together, even ‘neath the most capricious of stars.