Chapter 24: Wedding
The village of Frostvale was alive with joy and laughter as the sun began its slow descent toward the western hills. It wasn’t the usual day for the village, as they were celebrating a union.
As it was a community of very limited people, such occasions were celebrated by everyone.
Today was a day of celebration, for Baren the blacksmith was to wed Aldein’s daughter Ryanna, and the whole village had come together to witness their union.
Colorful banners hung from every doorway, stitched by the women during the long winter months. The smell of roasted meat and fresh bread filled the air, mingling with the sweet scent of honeyed ale and the wildflowers that decorated every surface. Children ran between the houses, their faces painted with berry juice and their laughter echoing off the stone walls.
In the village center, long wooden tables groaned under the weight of the feast. Whole pigs turned slowly over open fires, their skin crackling and golden. Women bustled about with platters of cheese, bread, and early spring vegetables from the root cellars. The men had brought out their finest ales and wines, saved for just such an occasion.
Jaenor wiped sweat from his brow as he helped carry another table into position. He was a tall young man with calloused hands and kind eyes, well-liked by all who knew him. His friend Taeryn worked beside him, both men grinning at the thought of their friend’s happiness.
"Hard to believe Baren finally found himself a wife," Taeryn said, hefting a heavy bench. "Thought he’d die a bachelor, spending all his time with his hammers and forge."
Jaenor laughed. "Ryanna’s got him well in hand now. Did you see how he jumped when she asked him to fetch water this morning? Like a green boy with his first love."
The two friends shared a knowing look.
They had both watched Baren court Ryanna through the winter months, bringing her small gifts of metalwork and stumbling over his words whenever she smiled at him.