"Are you ready?" Ingrid asked as she did last minute touches on my kransen, twisting and twirling the flowers, stones, and silk on my head to frame my loose hair.

Jitters in my stomach and my throat tightening with nerves made me speechless in the moment, making me only nod in response. I had not seen Aderick since we last departed from our chambers only a morning ago. I wanted to see him badly, to talk to him about everything that had happened, but it was frowned upon to see my groom so soon to the wedding. At this moment I was not having second thoughts, only a rush of emotions that today was the day.

The day I finally was getting married.

Everything was going so smoothly. The kransen that adorned my head was beautiful, black and gold silk paired lovely with the small white flowers and clear rock crystals intertwined in the crown. Hilde did a magnificent job on it, I could not have asked for anything more stunning. My gown, which I had made last minute changes to, was simple yet exquisite. With the cream billowing long sleeves and flowing skirts, 'twas a comfortable yet perfect for a bride like me. The corset was tight, pushing my breasts up, which I had a feeling Aderick would be pleased with. The fabric was soft yet thick, as the weather was slowly beginning to get colder and colder by the day. The belt around my hips was a thick black silk sash with gold thread stitched into patterns of vines. The final touch was the rich fur shawl that covered my shoulders to keep out the frigid wind.

Oils had been added to my hair to keep it smooth and untangled as it typically did on an average day. Rita joked that it would help Aderick not rip through my thick locks when he ran his hands through my hair this eventide in the chambers. My entire face went flaming red from her coy words. From what I could tell from the reflection in the water of the tub, my golden hair shimmered and glowed like the sun.

"Alright, shall we go? I am sure everyone is ready for us out in the grove." Ingrid said finally after she pulled her dainty hands away from my hair and crown.

She eyed me from top to bottom, ensuring that everything was perfect, or nearly so. I let out a ragged breath and squared my shoulders, finally ready to be married to the man that has captured my scarred heart.

I nodded and murmured, "Ja, let us be on our way."

Following Ingrid and the other women from my warm chambers to the outside, the chilly day cooled my rosy cheeks and forced me to walk quickly to reach the grove before my teeth began to chatter. I glanced over and noticed Balder, Ivar, and Trond carrying the swords of my family, but the sword of Pappa would be the one I would give to Aderick in the ceremony. Balder held in carefully in his grasp, waiting to follow me to the grove. I was sure this was Aderick's way of Balder working back to gain his trust. Holding such a precious item was only to those responsible, and I was glad Balder was able to do this for us. I nodded to him who responded in turn, his eyes now the only trait that held emotion or expression. The regret of the past was bright in his eyes, yet I had forgiven him for all of it. Today, Frigga's-Day, marked a new beginning for all of us.

Turning away and racing hastily to catch up with Ingrid, my eyes caught on her dark purple gown with the gold and black accents. Everyone was dressing their best for their Jarl's wedding ceremony and the feast. Ingrid's hair was twisted into a long dark braid, little flowers gave life to her mahogany tresses. It had only taken her a small amount of time to complete her look, whereas it took hours for me to be completely dressed and ready to go.

The nerves and jitters continued to churn as we walked deeper into the trees. The sun peered out from the covering clouds, the rays shining on my face. A small smile reached my face as I closed my eyes.

This was a sign from my family and the gods, a blessing to continue on with my life and with Aderick.

I had their approval.

Lit torches paved the way to where the sacred grove of the Dahlsten land was, hidden within the trees. Once we reached an opening in the trees into the grove, I paused as I took in my surroundings.

Numerous torches created a flaming semicircle around the front of the opened area in the grove, making the small place bright and warm. All of the clan's people stood to wait for me as I stepped through the trees, making my presence known. My eyes swept along the faces that decided to join Aderick and me on our day. A wide smile spread in delight and many other smiles reciprocated in turn. I sucked in a deep breath, the chilliness making me shiver as I inhaled the cold. Everyone parted to create an aisle for me as I began to walk towards the front where Aderick stood.

I looked up finally to meet his gaze and I inhaled sharply once my eyes took his appearance in.

His face was freshly shaven, only a bit of facial hair covered his strong jaw. I once told him that I loved the friction against my fingers and skin, and since that moment he always had some hair on his face. It made him look more mature and to be honest, seductive. That combined with his heated dark eyes made me melt and feel faint when he looked at me. Those onyx orbs were expressive, one of the only traits that I could always tell what he was feeling. His hair was pulled back in thin intricate braids by his temple, accentuating that long pale scar that trailed across his face. The scar showed his character and strength, it did not diminish his looks. He was dressed in dark clothing, his tunic a colored gray that mirrored the clouds just before it rained. His pants were completely black, nearly the same color as his dark boots.

My eyes trailed back up to his eyes that seemed to burn brightly, a dark cavern full of secrets and haunted by past deeds. I could see and feel the love within his eyes as they took in everything as I walked closer.

Surprisingly, Aderick began walking down the man-made aisle and met me halfway. I raised a pale brow at him, knowing that it should have been me to walk up to him with Balder close behind.

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes; Aderick had his moments. And apparently, this was one of them.

Pressing a quick kiss on my lips, he wrapped his large palm around mine and led me the rest of the way. A giggle left me as he rushed us back to where he originally stood by the matured gyðja and the altar. She smiled at his impatience and winked at me. I smiled in return and turned to face Aderick. He sent a comforting smirk as he squeezed my hands.

The gyðja cleared her throat, becoming serious before rasping out, "Let us begin! We must call upon the gods and goddesses to come forth to bless this impending marriage. In this, we sacrifice the selected by the gods to provoke them."

With a graceful swooshing of skirts, she quietly walked towards the men and animals to our left. With a flick of her wrist, a sow and goat were brought forth, their noises echoing in the forest as they were prepared for the sacrifice. As the gyðja raised the knife in the air, she crept forwards to the two animals and quickly slit their throats. I glanced away just before it happened, I did not wish to witness that. I inwardly shivered. Aderick squeezed my hands again, bringing my attention back towards him. He gave a knowing sympathetic smile and I meekly returned one of my own.

My gaze flickered away from his intense ones to gaze at the gyðja who was bent over with an inscribed bowl to collect the offering from the sow and goat that laid on the ground. The gyðja carefully set the bowl on the altar of stones, pausing to make sure it would not fall. She grabbed a contained cluster of fir-twigs and dipped it into the blood.

I held my breath as I anticipated this next part of the ceremony. I held a death-grip on Aderick's warm hands, digging my nails into his palms as I closed my eyes.

A sprinkle of warm liquid abruptly hit my face, making me flinch, and the fresh smell of coppery blood made my stomach churn. I kept my eyes shut as I carefully breathed through my nose.

The gyðja cleared her throat once more and I opened my eyes. I peered over at Aderick, who's face was dotted with red and he grinned wickedly. I huffed.

Bloody Viking...

I reminded myself that even though I could not stand the smell or sight of blood, this was important. No matter how much I did not like it, this was for the gods, and that was something I did not want to upset. This was our offer to Thor and Freyja to bless our marriage and bestow fertility within our marriage.

This was for our future.

"The swords, please," The gyðja's voice rang out.

I opened my eyes as Ragnar walked forward quietly and handed a weathered sword to Aderick. This sword was from his ancestors, ensuring that his family line continued and melded with my own. Aderick turned, releasing our hands, holding it up for all to see. His eyes continued to look into mine with a deep intensity, and I had to blink away a few joyous tears at the passion and love swirling in those haunting depths. She nodded slightly before saying,

"Britta, as you receive this sword from him, you must hold it in trust for your future son." Her misty gray eyes were calm and serious as they looked deeply into mine.

I nodded ever so softly and smiled up to Aderick.

"Now you, Britta, must present your sword." As I turned to receive it from Balder, she continued, "In this, you are transferring the power and leadership of your ancestors and loved ones to your husband, trusting him to care for it and use it in the way of a Viking warrior."

The comforting metal of my father's sword handle left my hands as Aderick and I exchanged our family swords to one another with large smiles on our faces. I bit my lip as Aderick carefully ran his palm along the blade. The gyðja cleared her throat sharply at Aderick before becoming serious once more.

"The rings!"

Ingrid nearly skipped up towards me as she dropped the ring for Aderick into my waiting palm. She winked and quickly fixed my hair before returning back to her place waiting for her husband. I bit my lip and indistinctly shook my head at her. As I turned around and carefully placed the ring up on the tip of the blade, out of the corner of my eye I watched Aderick do the same.

I let out a deep breath as the gyðja grabbed Aderick's cheek in her withered palm, pulling his attention from me as she spoke with all the seriousness in the land.

"Aderick, do you solemnly swear upon the gods, your people, and your place in Valhalla that you wish to marry this woman?"

His eyes shot to mine before he murmured with clarity. "I swear."

She turned to me and gently grasped my cheek in her cool hand, her eyes swirling.

"Britta, do you solemnly swear upon the gods, your people, and your future children that you wish to marry this man?"

I stared back with the same amount of intensity and seriousness. "I swear with these people as my witness."

She nodded before smiling wide at the two of us. I could not help but share my own excitement with a soft giggle and beam at Aderick. The waves of happiness and joy rolling through me were nearly tangible, I could almost taste it. We were near the end.

With that as our cue, Aderick and I slowly tilted our swords towards one another and plucked off our rings, sliding them onto our fingers. Doing this ensured the sacredness of our union and emphasized the importance of the binding of our marriage and how it cannot be broken from this point on.

After a pregnant pause, her voice rang loudly in the grove, "You are now husband and wife!"

With a small shriek of happiness, I launched myself at Aderick as he reached for me at the same time, wrapping his long arms around my waist. I could hear cheers and whistles from his - no, our - people as they celebrated the union of their Jarl. I simply blocked them out and focused on my new husband. I closed my eyes as I pressed my lips to his, my arms naturally folding around his neck. His lips moved feverishly against mine; in celebration and of desperation. A few tears leaked from my eyes and he kissed each one as he pulled away to let us breathe.

"You are mine and I am yours. Finally," He whispered to me before kissing me again. Just as I pulled away to whisper back to him, a loud voice pierced the festive atmosphere.

"No, you are not, Britta Haraldsson! I forbid it!"

Gasps of shock and outrage made everyone, including myself and Aderick freeze.

I whirled around, pulling away from Aderick's arms and let out a gasp at the sight before my eyes. The individual that held the achingly familiar voice stepped out from the cover of the darkened forest, revealing themself. Tears rushed to my eyes and I took a step away from Aderick, my new husband, towards my family member that stood in the flesh only a few stone's distance from me.

"Kare!"

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