Dwarven marriage vows

[Ringo Flinthammer]

In the beginning, the world was fire and darkness and death. Then Khaz'goroth the Shaper, father of the dwarves, gave shape to the world and his people, the Earthen, cultivated the land and made it bear fruit.

They brought order to chaos. And they protected the weak, so that they might not fear the dark.

Among the gifts crafted by Khaz were marriage and beer, two of the pinnacles of civilization. Marriage, like beer, takes a great deal of work, and not everyone has the stomach for either.

Seeds are planted and must be protected from all manner of dangers. And even then, the crop must be nurtured if it is to grow up strong and be a solid foundation for what is to come.

Then comes the work of fermentation, work that few people can do, and the work put in is difficult, delicate and sometimes unpleasant.

But in the end, one has brought together the union of two flavors, barley and hops, which grow to compliment each other more and more over time, while still retaining their unique flavor and character.

But without the work, beer, like marriage, can be flat, distasteful or even rotten. Neither should be undertaken lightly or treated casually in the crafting.

Today, we gather to bear witness and raise our mugs to ________ and _________, two who seek to forge such a union, may it last to the end of this world and beyond.

Do you, _____________, take this woman to be your wife and partner, to forge a bond that will withstand times perilous and fair, health and sickness, riches and poverty, and do you undertake this work of your own free will?

Do you, _____________,, take this man to be your husband and partner, to forge a bond that will withstand times perilous and fair, health and sickness, riches and poverty, and do you undertake this work of your own free will?

In recognition of the forging of this bond, it has been tradition among the dwarves since we first built our halls beneath Khaz Modan, the Mountain of Khaz, to exchange rings. As they are forged to last through the ages, so may this marriage.

Today, both ________ and ________ seek to forge this bond. As the axe is forged by its smith and a beer by its brewer, both ________ and ________ craft this marriage together, and have some words to say as they exchange these rings.

(Ring exchange)

Before I sanctify this marriage, are there any who would object? For once the bond is forged, no outsider may sunder it and live.

(Wait for objections)

By the powers vested in me by King Magni Bronzebeard, I bear witness to this new-forged union and pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.