Valknut

CHAPTER|44 Wedding II

While Olaf stood in the bailey watching contently as cows, horses, weapons and documents pertaining to Catriona's dowry and inheritance were being swapped, Catriona stepped out of her chambers. She took one last long look around before gently closing the door. She would no more sleep on the bed that stood by the corner. Nor would she wake to the sounds that would trickle in from the streets. The view from the window was no longer hers to enjoy. A sadness overtook her as she dwelled on what she was leaving behind. The physical preparations she had undergone earlier, paled in comparison to the actual mental separation from her former identity.   

Ella's hand on her shoulder, pulled Catriona from her thoughts. "Tis time mah lady" . 

Catriona smiled at the young girl at her side before nodding and beginning her long walk down to the bailey. She rounded the corner and stopped for the briefest moments. The floor before her was strewn in a mix of brightly colored flower petals. Braided straw, interwoven with leaves, fragrant flowers and herbs decorated the length of the staircase. With each step and intoxicating whiff, her mind focused more on the man that waited for her rather than what she was leaving behind. Her smile grew bigger and more cheerful. As she descended the last step, she patted down her dress, smoothing wrinkles. She tucked an little annoying lock of hair behind her ear, She took another deep breath to settle her nerves and stepped out the castle doors. 

The view was breathtaking. The entire inner bailey was encircled by wooden poles, each connected to its neighbor with ropes made from interwoven straw. From these, hung banners of all three houses. Catriona smiled at she looked at each, Green and Blue separated by a sliver line, symbolizing Hope and Loyalty, belonged to Kieran, a Red banner with a wolf in the center, representing strength was Klaufi's and Olaf's banner was Blue with gold trimming and a circular shield that bore an eagle and three interweaving triangles. Flowering ivy was draped neatly around each of the poles, enveloping everyone in a sweet scent. 

In the center of the bailey was a massive fire. To the north was a raised platform with a long table and several benches. This would be where her family - new and old - would dine. Two tall chairs sat in the center for her and Olaf. Behind the chair, stood a trellis with pretty purple and pink flowers and curtains of white muslin and lace. Around the table stood her family, ale in hand, speaking loudly and cheerfully. She spotted Kieran and Klaufi speaking with Kára, Jarl Asmund and Lady Ádísa looked distracted and weary from the conversation Bjorn and Aggi were having with them. Gauk, Erp and a few other members whom she couldn't place, floated around the fire. Her brow furrowed when she couldn't spot Olaf. 

More benches and tables had been placed east of the fire for the villagers. Each table had been covered in shiny white linen with a red table runner down the middle. Candles decorated the center, their flickering light dancing daintily on the tables. Villagers of all stature crowded nearby, drinking ale and talking animatedly. Children dodged in and out of the crowd, some settling under the tables to eat stolen scraps of food to avoid being detected. To the west of the fire stood another raised platform that housed several musicians in brightly colored clothes. Some played the flute while others beat on animal skin drums. Another group playfully blew on Norse reed-pipes and Gemshorns. 

Ella whispered to Catriona, "I hope you like it my lady. The girls and I were up all night making sure everything was to your liking." 

"It's beautiful Ella. I will always remember how you made my day so special. Thank the girls for me will you?" 

Ella grinned and curtseyed before nudging the guard at the castle steps, who then proceeded to announce Catriona's arrival. An overwhelming silence spread across the bailey as all chatter stopped, followed by a loud shuffling of feet as people turned to the castle door for a glimpse of the bride. A few loud gasps could be heard and men and women alike, sported appreciative smiles. Nervous with being the center of attention, Catriona smiled meekly before climbing down the few steps that led to the bailey. By the time she reached, Kieran and Klaufi had elbowed their way through the crowd to greet her. They escorted her to the table, where she sat in one of the chairs. The musicians picked up their beat and chatter resumed. One by one, guests flocked to Catriona to greet her.