The Last Marigold

For Evigt

In the days leading up to the ceremony, tradition demanded that Wolfgard and Su'a separate. Though the task was not completed without a great deal of complaint from both parties. The separation allowed time for the bride and groom to strip away their former selves and prepare for their lives together.

In Norse religion, weddings were on Fridays. It is the sacred day of Frigga, the goddess of marriage, childbirth, home, and heart. Festivities proceeded throughout the week. They were upon the final day in which vows were spoken. Many came to celebrate. Friends and well-wishers traveled for weeks before the event, that they may reach Uppsala in time for the festivities.

In a ritual meant to denote the giving up of her "maiden" status, Su'a was attended by many married women. Many of whom were friends or relatives of Wolfgard but with her own mother in captivity, trapped behind wooden bars, Su'a could not fully take part in the day's felicitations. And although she returned the laughter and smiles, a set of keen eyes knew none of it reached her eyes.

"Su'a," Somerhild called, "Come, there is something I must show you," She opened her palm inviting the other woman to take it.

Su'a took the offered hand, giving the first genuine smile she had all day. "There is someone who wishes an audience," Somerhild muttered, gently leading her out of the hut to the woods just beyond.

Wolfgard stood with folded arms over a bare chest in a clearing, just passed a grouping of trees. When his eyes met hers, his dashing smile nearly brought her to her knees.

"Wolfgard," She said in a breathless whisper. Then with a sudden burst, she ran towards him throwing herself abruptly into his arms.

"Oof!" He cried, "Are you trying to attack me, woman? Have a care!" He laughed. Then drew closer as he whispered against her ear, "The days without you have been too long. The nights, cold and unbearable. I've missed you beyond the telling of words." His lips pressed to her cheek but when she turned her head to answer his kiss, Somerhild cleared her throat disruptively.

"Let us keep this brief, Lord King, else we will delay the ceremonies," She politely suggested.

The color of Wolfgard's blue-grey eyes shifted to near electric blue as he growled in a low rumble but he was soon distracted by the quick stinging slap across his naked chest. "You will leave Somerhild be," Su'a demanded.

"Your queen already defends you, Somerhild of Wessex. Count yourself among her favored," He chortled pulling Su'a closer to his chest, fitting her body against his.

"There will be time for this and more, Lord King," Her arresting gaze held his attention. "Somerhild is more than just my friend and her status must reflect this." Su'a turned to offer her friend a loving glance.

She felt Wolfgard's strong fingers gently turn her towards him as he whispered, "Marigold, I've asked Somerhild to bring you here because I knew how heavy your heart would be this day. A day all about tradition and family. And I do not want you to be without the only family that you have left." Wolfgard released her, stepping out of the way to reveal her mother.

Souad reclined casually against a tree, just out of sight, smiling softly as she approached. She looked healthy and strong again. Her mass of black and silver hair shinning in the morning sun. Her smooth earth-colored skin glistened radiantly. It did Su'a's heart a world of good to see her looking so. The woman aged with unearthly grace.