The Voyager and the Rogue

Chapter 61

The celebration that took place after our ceremony was one that I would never forget. Even though I knew it was about Eyarr and me, I wanted to make sure the other couples in our circle had as good a time as we did.

I saw Mom and Dad dancing together near a torch, and I could see the love in their eyes. I could see the love in their eyes, especially in the way Dad watched Mom's body sway to the music. I knew the music was different than at home, but it felt comforting and familiar. The drums, the flutes, and the rattles were all things that we had in common.

There weren't any stringed instruments on Motunui, but I could tell my family enjoyed the sound of them - the gentle strumming in the background added to the energy.

The Great Hall wasn't big enough for everyone, so we gathered in the main village square for the celebration. But that was okay. The warm summer evening, with a beautiful sunset in the background, bathed the village in brilliant oranges and pinks that slowly faded into the inky black sky. I could see the first stars beginning to twinkle, announcing their presence to the world.

I saw Mom and Dad dancing together near a torch, and I could see the love in their eyes. I could see the love in their eyes, especially in the way Dad watched Mom's body sway to the music. I knew the music was different than at home, but it felt comforting and familiar. The drums, the flutes, and the rattles were all things that we had in common.

There weren't any stringed instruments on Motunui, but I could tell my family enjoyed the sound of them - the gentle strumming in the background added to the energy.

The Great Hall wasn't big enough for everyone, so we gathered in the main village square for the celebration. But that was okay. The warm summer evening, with a beautiful sunset in the background, bathed the village in brilliant oranges and pinks that slowly faded into the inky black sky. I could see the first stars beginning to twinkle, announcing their presence to the world.

There were various torches lit, adding extra light and warmth to the mood. There were even lanterns of different colors hanging in between houses and posts. And around us, there were tables and chairs set out. Some tables had food and drink available. There was also a little area for the village children to play.

As Eyarr and I wandered through the crowd together, I noticed that there were all sorts of shells and different plants in various arrangements as decoration.

I don't know how Hiccup and Astrid managed to pull this off, but I was incredibly grateful for them going to all these lengths for my wedding.

After some more socializing, Zephyr and Tannr came to join us. Zephyr gestured to where Eyarr and I were sitting; in the middle of a long table that faced an arrangement of other large tables and benches where our guests would be seated.

Finally, the time came for the celebratory feast. As Eyarr and I took our seats, I could tell that he appeared a bit overwhelmed with all the attention. But I gave him a loving smile and gently patted his back. He sat to my left, and to my right was my family. Mom sat right next to me, with Dad and then Gramma, Aihe, and Heilani.

To Eyarr's left were the Haddocks, including Tannr and Saoirse. Next to them were Ana and Dustin, and then Zyrah and her family. The extended family and friends of the Haddocks sat at nearby tables, and everyone seated accordingly.

The warmth and love was palpable in the air, and I fought back tears seeing everyone I called family sitting here with me and with my new husband.

Once everyone was settled, Hiccup stood, clinging a fork against his metal goblet, bringing everyone's attention to him.

"Before we proceed with the festivities, I first want to thank everyone for their hard work on making this joyous day a brilliant success for our newlyweds," there was a round of applause, and I couldn't help but join in, "But of course, I also wanted to share a few words, especially for the bride, one of whom we honor here tonight."