They came upon his small village, many of the people running up to call greetings to him as Thunder walked the street with Val and Nenet still saddled on beast’s back. At last, they reached the center courtyard of the village, a wide area set before a long building. This building is where the feast of food and mead was set out and waiting for all to gather and celebrate their leader’s new marriage. In the center of the wide grassy courtyard, was set a pole with many colored ribbons flowing down. The children of the village each held a ribbon and all were running circles around the pole, wrapping the ribbons around the tall wooden pole as they went.

Valerius dismounted and helped his new wife down from the large horse as well. He squeezed her hand in reassurance, their hands still bound by the hand-fasting rope – this rope wouldn’t be untied until morning. It was custom. Tradition. One that as a leader of men, Val must uphold.

’Papa!’ A little girl’s voice squealed with excitement.

Valerius turned, a wide smile on his face as he bent to scoop up the young girl running at him into his free arm. He stood with her as she threw her arms around his neck. ”Cornelia, you get more beautiful every time I come home.” He kissed the girl giggling child on her forehead, then directed her attention to Nenet. ”This is Nenet. Say hello.”