Chapter 213: Wedding Feast in the Wilderness (3)
In every world, weddings are joyous and lively celebrations.Here in the village of Iscariote, it felt more like a grand festival. “It’s been quite a while since our last spring wedding, hasn’t it?”“I wonder just how much food we’ll need to prepare!”
The men busied themselves slaughtering sheep and cattle, while the women prepared rice cakes and fresh bread.Elderly villagers and children decorated the surroundings with vibrant paper ornaments, making me feel as though I’d stepped into a cultural travel program.
“What are you all waiting for! We need to dress up today’s star, the groom!”
When Tirk, who led the women, called out, the men approached and draped an elegant leather cloak over my shoulders.They crowned me with woven branches, fastened a bronze sword at my waist, and even added a horn-carved flute.I looked every bit like a victorious general of the plains.
I found myself wondering what Cariote was doing at that moment.Though I wanted to check on her, she had disappeared into the bride’s tent and was nowhere to be seen.They told me I wouldn’t be able to see the bride until the wedding feast was well underway and the moon hung high in the sky.
“Now, time for the groom’s procession!”
As the groom, I learned I needed to walk through the village, showing my face and greeting everyone.This tradition meant seeking their blessings for our future together.Most of this time was spent meeting with village elders and receiving their heartfelt wishes.
“May you live long and happily together, brings back memories of my own wedding…!”“Now your real life begins! That’s what becoming head of household means!”“Marriage truly marks your entry into adulthood!”
For those who had lived long lives, watching young couples marry and start families seemed to bring genuine joy.Both male and female elders were eager to share their wisdom, each wanting to offer one more piece of advice. I noticed the wariness gradually fading from those who had initially found me unfamiliar.It felt as though I was finally being accepted as one of their own.