A Wolf's Howl, A Fairy's Wing

Erik nodded with a smile. At the same time, Naeku glanced behind her, at the other three women. "You girls really don't mind if I go first, right?" she asked, a little hesitantly. She really wanted to go first, and she thought she deserved it too, but she also wanted to get along with Erik's other wives.

Fortunately, Emma represented the other three by nodding with a serene smile, "Of course not, Naeku… We already talked about this. I know we agreed that we're all equal parts of this ceremony, rather than the three of us tacking onto yours, but it's only fair you go first."

Astrid nodded as well, a grin on her lips. "What she said! The three of us all have our own things with Erik, anyway. This way, you can be the first to marry him officially. At least, in this 'place'…"

They all realised she was talking about Earth, but it was still a little early to make that particular secret public. After all, the crowd was listening.

After Emily consented as well, Naeku turned around again, her body trembling with equal parts excitement and nerves. Gulping, she stepped up to the altar. At the same time, Erik winked at his three wives and took his own place next to Naeku.

Gently, Naeku placed her left gloved hand on the cold stone altar and sighed softly. "I kind of wish we could have done this at the same place as my parents got married, but it was swallowed up by this city, just like everything else…"

Not sure what to say, Erik simply took her right hand and squeezed softly. On the other side of the altar, Ankhur nodded with a difficult expression.

"Marrying your mother sure was a much more subdued affair," he chuckled softly, his gaze wandering over the massive crowd surrounding them. "All I ruled back then was a small village."

Then, he looked back at Naeku and smiled. "But she would have loved this. All this joy in the city, and so many people here to watch you get married to a worthy man… she'd be happy."

Father and daughter shared a moment of silence that everyone, even the crowd below, reverently respected. The fate of Naeku's mother was not unknown to them, and their conversation now tugged at many a heartstring. Particularly those who knew her before her tragic death.

Finally, Naeku sighed and released some tension. If it wasn't for her veil, everyone would be able to see the gentle smile on her lips. "Well, even if I can't do it at the same place, doing it here is not so bad either."

With surprising accuracy, she angled her head to look straight at one of the sigil stones recording them. "I'm glad I can share this moment with so many of my people. I know that, even though there are those among you who still falsely believe I was coerced into this, you'll all root for me, and bless our marriage. Will you not?"

A moment of silence followed… but then the crowd began to cheer again. Affirmations of their joy and blessings rose up into the air, as even those who feared for Naeku's agency, wanted her to remain chaste, or wanted her for themselves, were moved by her sincerity.

Most of all, however, the Enkarians simply loved their princess. The warriors she commanded into battle cheered the loudest of all, and even glared at anyone they deemed not enthusiastic enough until they cheered louder.

Naeku smiled at the crowd's reaction. She wasn't so delusional as to think all of them were good, rational people who supported her and her family, but she was certain about the majority, at least—and their reaction proved it to her.

Naеку turned slowly to face Erik again, gently raising both of her gloved hands toward him, palms up.

"I really liked your story of the Ebonhollow tree," she said, a little shyly. "We don't have anything like that here, though. In fact, our marriage traditions aren't very fleshed out at all. My ancient Egyptian forebears didn't have elaborate marriage ceremonies; instead, they simply declared themselves married and held parties to celebrate the union."

"On the other hand," she continued with a soft chuckle. "Let's just say the Masaai traditions didn't really fit them, either… No disrespect intended to those who still observe that custom, of course. Regardless, my parents and grandparents basically just said some words to each other, and then celebrated."

While she spoke, Ankhur reached over, bearing a beautifully embroidered, vibrantly coloured silk ribbon woven with intricate Maasai beadwork interspersed with hieroglyphs and symbols of ancient Egyptian gods, particularly those of Bastet and Set. He carefully placed the ribbon across Naeku's outstretched hands.

When he saw this, Erik raised an eyebrow. He quickly realised what was happening, however, and a small smile spread on his lips.

Inwardly, he sighed happily. Honestly, he hadn't really thought much about what the ceremony would look like. He left all the planning to them and intended to just enjoy the ride, but… suddenly, he realised Naeku's intention was exactly what he wanted.

He glanced over at his mother, and she winked at him. Clearly, this was her doing.

A hush settled over the crowd, the air thick with anticipation. They didn't know what was happening either, but they hung on Naeku's soft voice when it once again broke through gently.

"At first, I was planning to do the same with you, but then I decided to ask your mother if there was a way I could honour your heritage… and I loved her suggestion. This way, your father can be here a little as well."

Smiling with a lot more emotion than he'd expected to feel, Erik nodded. What she was planning was a Sámi tradition, and the way his parents had gotten married in the past. It felt right to him.

Slowly, Erik placed his own hands over hers, sandwiching the ceremony ribbon between them.

"I love you, Erik Gunnulf," Naeku said solemnly, the sincerity undeniable in her tone. "Not because you saved my people, or because of your strength, but because of your indomitable heart, and dedication to your family. You gave me back some pieces of my mother I thought were lost, and I want to give you my heart in return. Now, and forever."

"I love you, too, Naenae," Erik grinned, feeling light as a feather. "You have an iron will and relentless dedication when it comes to protecting your people and your family. You dedicate your life to them, and I want to make that life a little easier and happier. I hope you'll be my warrior princess, now and forever."

As their voices resonated through the silent gathering, Ankhur moved forward. Clearly having practised this, he skillfully bound their joined hands together, first loosely and then gradually tightening the ribbon in intricate loops.

According to tradition, each turn represents unity, strength, and commitment. The Sámi tradition of handfasting symbolised spiritual unity and mutual respect.

"Now," Naeku whispered a little hoarsely, and with a hint of impatience when the ribbon was fully fastened. "Lift my veil so you can kiss me…"