Page 21 of A Viking's Captive

Sigrid asked Rathnon, who drew his brows together, perplexed by her question, until he realized what she referred to. He stroked her cheek with the backs of his fingers and stared intently into her eyes. “Elskling (my darling), I am not angry with you. I am happy you are here with me and we are to be wed. We are meant to be together. I never want you to leave me,” Rathnon said hoarsely, with restrained emotion.

Ilona nodded after Sigrid translated, and looked down at the floor, trying to compose the words she wanted to share with her limited vocabulary. Relief flooded her as she realized Rathnon did nae hold a grudge and was nae angry with her attempted escape.

“I look forward to being yer wife. I will work hard to be a good wife to ye.” Sigrid shared with Rathnon what Ilona had shyly said, and Rathnon grinned at her. Later, he collected his wedding shirt and other items he needed. He kissed Ilona, and his eyes sparkled with the knowledge that tomorrow would be their wedding day, and he could finally claim the woman he loved.

After Rathnon left, Ilona sewed the last of the handles onto the baskets. She wove and fastened the wood design she had carved into a basket to give to Rathnon. Then she embellished the design on the basket she had woven for Sigrid.

Finally, she assembled the items she needed for tomorrow and packed a sack with a linen shift and a couple of dresses to wear while they lived in the forest during their honeymoon, withher bag of herbs. Ilona bid goodnight to Sigrid and settled on the floor blanket under the furs.

Did Rathnon take me into the forest today to let me gauge for myself that he will provide well for me and protect me?Ilona wasnervous and speculated about what he would expect from her on their wedding night. She lay in her bed and couldn’t sleep.

Ilona couldn’t imagine sleeping with him in the forest, but she remained grateful for the warm summer weather. The next item she needed to weave for herself would be a warm, thick wool cloak. As she finally drifted off to sleep, she thought a green cloak would be pretty. Ilona dreamed of Rathnon holding her close and keeping her warm.

Chapter 7

The Wedding and Honeymoon

The next day was one of celebration. In the morning, the men left early after they brought in a wooden tub, placing it by the firepit and filling with buckets of hot water. Elderflowers were strewn on top, lending their sweet aroma to the water and surroundings. Sigrid assisted Ilona in washing and rinsing her hair. Ilona dried herself and dressed in a linen shift, socks, and shoes.

One of the ladies helped her towel-dry her hair by the fire. The woman gave her tea and prepared her a breakfast of bread and eggs, which would fortify her until the feast later. The woman carefully combed out Ilona’s long, burnished hair and braided a few strands on both sides of her face. A lass came in with a basket of fragrant white elderflowers and wove these into her hair like a crown.

Sigrid helped her dress in her green gown, which complemented her copper-colored hair, green eyes, and fair skin. Then, Sigrid placed the resplendent embroidered apron over the gown.

Ilona’s embroidery shimmered in the light of the flames that danced in the firepit. The bride would glow and sparkle in the radiant sunlight. The women gathered around her with smiles and words of encouragement, remembering their wedding days and their feelings on that momentous day.

The women studied the designs she had embroidered and asked her questions about them. When Sigrid translated, they understood the symbolism.

When Ilona pointed to the wolf in the center of her design, she said, “Rathnon, mit ulf,” and smiles of understanding lit up their faces. Ilona incorporated things from Norway into her wedding gown rather than things from her previous home in Scotland. She told the women Rathnon wore the symbols of Scotland, knowing they would both need to understand each other’s customs and learn to compromise. The ladies marveled over her stitching and designs and told her how beautiful she looked.

An older woman returned and told the women, “The meat has been roasting since early this morning, and all is ready for the ceremony and feasting. The men are assembled, and the groom is impatiently waiting for his bride.”

The ladies formed a procession through the forest, with Sigrid and Ilona walking last. The women had bathed and dressed in their finest clothes, honoring the bride and groom. As she walked behind the other women, she hoped Rathnon liked his wedding tunic she had made for him.

Ilona shivered with anxiety and anticipation. Her heart beat in a frenzied dance. Close to the wedding site, wildflowers were strewn on the ground. Ilona heard the distinctive call of the lapwing bird, and this time, instead of sounding mournful, it sounded celebratory. Birdsong joyously filled the air, and the sun shone brightly in a cloudless sky. In front of her, one by one, the women left the procession to stand with their husbands and families, until only Rathnon stood before her with a beaming smile.

He reached for her hand and kissed it, calming Ilona’s nerves. She glowed with an inner radiance.

Rathnon’s heart swelled, thinking how he wanted to make Ilona happy and care for her.

With an eye for detail, Rathnon studied the artistry and painstaking designs Ilona had created on her gown. Extraordinary embroidery on her wedding gown and his wedding tunic filled him with joy.

In Gaelic, Rathnon said, “Ye are beautiful, Ilona.” Surprised, Ilona gazed at him, smiled, and said, “Takk, Rathnon.”

An elder stood before them, and Rathnon cut their hands with his sharp knife. To please Ilona, their hands were tied and bound in a Scottish marriage ceremony. The elder recited his words and blessings for the couple in Gaelic and Norwegian so all present could understand.

Rathnon recited after the elder in Gaelic, “Ye are blood of my blood and bone of my bone. I give ye my body that we two might be one. I give ye my heart, till our life be done. Ye live in my heart. Jeg elsker deg (I love you), Ilona, with all my heart.”

Tears glittered in Ilona’s eyes at his words. She recited the vows in Norwegian, surprising him and all assembled. Only Sigrid kent that she had planned this to please Rathnon.

“Ye are blood of my blood and bone of my bone. I give ye my body that we two might be one. I give ye my heart, till our life be done. Ye are the fierce Ulf and protector of my heart.” Rathnon pulled her to him and embraced her, kissing her possessively as everyone cheered for the newly married couple.

“Ye are amazing, wife. I love the tunic ye made for me, Ilona, and yer embroidered gown is beautiful.” Rathnon pointed to his tunic, which fit him perfectly, and smiled. “I have a gift for ye.” Rathnon pulled out the pin he’d had Bjørn make for her.

The silver brooch had been expertly etched. A magnificent wolf stood proudly surrounded by elderflowers gleaming in the sun. Rathnon showed it to Ilona before he pinned it on her dress. Touched by his gift, tears of happiness spilled down her face.

Rathnon quickly wiped them away with his fingers and kissed her face. The procession left to return to the area by the longhouse, where tables with flowers and candles stood with benches.

Servers poured mead for the bride and groom, and then filled the cups of the guests. The wedding guests toasted the happiness and prosperity of the bride and groom. Rathnon never left Ilona’s side as they remained bound. The meat and fish were laid on platters on the table, accompanied by vegetables, cheeses, bread, and butter. Sweet honey cakes were served for dessert before the music started for dancing.