For the Sünstoian people, it was important that the wedding symbolized not the loss of a daughter, but the combining of an entire family. Considering the groups in the north only had each other to rely on in such harsh conditions, it was important that communities lacked strife and could trust one another.

It wasn't the communities that killed one another but the weather and monsters. Why add to the conflict?

That was always something Irene admired about her lineage. They were seemingly more honorable than the average Perodan. You wouldn't find bandits stealing from one another or discrepancies in ability to thrive between a village leader and a laborer.

Her father liked the knighthood because of its honor system, chivalry. Irene had followed in his footsteps in that way. The Sünstoian heart sought honor, and that was what Henry was to her.

"By the power bestowed on me, you are now husband and wife based on Sünstoian law," the priest announced. "Go forth with one another as each other's biggest supporters."

The two turned towards their guests, and Henry lifted Irene's hand in the air. The bride and groom wore large smiles on their faces as the reality was settling in that this moment would forever change the course of their lives. They were each other's, and nothing would ever get in the way of that.

Henry gently pulled Irene's hand as he led her forth, and she quickly joined him at his side. Not only did she hold his hand, but she hugged his arm and leaned her cheek into his shoulder.

Now she was feeling a bit timid about what lay ahead and especially what would happen when it was only she and Henry. As much as she was Sünstoian, she was raised by a fully southerner mother who instilled in her the shame of being unladylike. Certain things that the Sünstoian women were allowed to do were not acceptable in the south. It was like the two sides of her heart were competing with one another.

This man, who promised to protect her honor, would take it in the eyes of the south, but it was almost a requirement in the eyes of the Sünstoian people, who openly required and prepared her for this outcome. The loss of a woman's maidenhood was a landmark event in her life.

As she came to terms with this, they walked between their few guests who tossed dried flower petals and leaves that stuck to their hair. Laughter ensued, and Irene was relieved to see that even her father was participating in this and in higher spirits than she had seen him in a while.

Now it was time to worry about herself and Henry. After all, that should be her entire focus on her wedding day.

To Irene's surprise, as they rounded the side of the house, the practice yard and the other half of the garden had been decorated, and tables were put out for guests. There was a spot along the edge that was clearly meant for her and Henry to sit together. A candle had been lit, and dried flowers were organized in a beautiful centerpiece.

Each choice of decoration was backed by some sort of meaning. Irene had lost track of what everything meant, but she was simply happy to be surrounded by representations of her family's culture all around. A few of the choices made her think of her grandmother as well.

Irene oftentimes wondered what her grandmother would think of Henry. Kara had a harsh judgment on love because, as explained to Irene, her grandfather was one of the most noble warriors of the north. He passed away early, protecting his family from monsters. His sacrifice was celebrated by Kara every year until she died because, without it, she wouldn't have been able to move south for a new life with her sons.

Since they were the first two to leave the small wedding, they were the first to sit down.

Henry's hand went to Irene's back as he offered her his silent support through touch. Even just studying her face, he could tell that she was under a lot of pressure and her mind was likely running wild—as was his—but hers was likely for a different reason.

Hoping it would help, he offered words of his own, hoping it would comfort her to know that he was struggling too. His chin went to her shoulder as he spoke.

"I was so nervous I thought my legs were going to give out," he admitted.

Irene's head turned towards him, and her eyebrows raised in surprise.

"No one would have ever been able to tell," she responded. "You did well. I'm sure even my ancestors are impressed." 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

A welcome interruption showed up in the form of their wedding guests rushing forth. Arne and Callum were the two most determined runners as they made it to the edge of the tables. The younger man touched the cage surrounding the bonfire that stood at the center of the entertaining area. He turned towards the older Commander victoriously.

There was a tradition that whoever's family made it to the feast first had to serve the other family the meal.

"Fair is fair," Callum relented. But it seemed that, rather than his usual competitive nature, he was getting other ideas. "Have you ever considered moving south to become a knight?"

Arne's expression was full of disbelief, and his light brown eyes were wide. Hope flashed across his features, but he tucked it away just as quickly.

"I believe my time has passed, Commander," he admitted. "I have other things to attend to."

Callum stepped forward and put his large hand on the boy's shoulder.

"It is never too late. In fact, learning the ways of a knighthood could help in your future endeavors," the Commander assured him. "Self improvement, combat skills, how to work under pressure… If the opportunity is ever right, it would be my honor to allow the Wolf of the North's son a position in my knighthood. I don't doubt for a moment your innate skill, and your sister has shown that Sir Arthur's children will never hide in his shadow."

Irene and Henry exchanged a surprised look. Callum was often a man of few words, but he did speak when it was important to someone, and with everything Arne was going through, he probably needed the support.

"I appreciate it, Commander," the red-haired teenager responded, his voice taking on a more serious edge.

"We will save it for future conversation," the older Commander responded. "Now, I must serve the food and hold up my end of the bargain."