Chapter 29 Marriage of Eliza and Vlad

Under the enchanting moonlit night, the godswood comes alive with an ethereal glow, embracing the sacred weirwood heart tree adorned with statues of the Ancient gods. The Torches illuminate the area, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.The Priestess of Hathor, goddess of love and marriage.

Eliza, radiant in her wedding attire, is led gracefully towards the gathering by her stalwart brother, Theon Stark. As they approach, the wise and venerable Lord Manderly stands tall, representing a fatherly figure for Vlad, and he questions with a solemn tone, "Who comes before the Ancient Gods this night?"

Theon's voice resonates with reverence as he replies, "Eliza, of the House Stark, comes here to be wed. A woman grown, trueborn and noble. She comes to beg the blessing of the Gods. Who comes to claim her?"

Vlad steps forward, his presence exuding regal authority, and declares, "I, Vlad Tepes, of House Tepes, heir to the Tower of Tepes, come to claim her."

Turning to Theon, Vlad asks in a voice brimming with emotion, "Theon, of the House Stark, who gives her away?"

Theon stands tall, his heart swelling with pride and love for his sister, and he replies with unwavering certainty, "I, Theon Stark, brother of Eliza, give her away."

As the ancient godswood bears witness to the sacred union, the Priestess of Hathor, adorned in flowing white robes, steps forward, her presence commanding respect and reverence. She raises her hands towards the heart tree, invoking the blessings of the Ancient gods upon the couple. Her voice carries a timeless wisdom as she speaks, "O revered gods of old, we gather here under the watchful eyes of the heart tree to witness the joining of two souls, Eliza Stark and Vlad Tepes."

Eliza and Vlad stand before the priestess, their hearts filled with a mixture of excitement and solemnity. The priestess turns to Eliza and asks, "Eliza, daughter of the noble House Stark, do you come of your own free will, ready to embrace the ancient ways and unite your soul with Vlad Tepes?"

With unwavering conviction, Eliza replies, her voice resolute, "I do. I stand here before the gods, ready to walk this path with Vlad, to honor the traditions of our people, and to bind our hearts and blood for all time."

The priestess nods approvingly, her eyes reflecting a deep understanding of the weight of this moment. She then turns her attention to Vlad and inquires, "Vlad Tepes, heir of the ancient lineage, do you come of your own free will, prepared to share your life with Eliza Stark and uphold the ancient legacy of our ancestors?"

Vlad's voice is strong and steady as he answers, "I do. I pledge my love and to protect and cherish the bond we form tonight."

The priestess smiles, her expression one of serene grace, as she bestows her blessings upon the couple. "May the Ancient gods bless and protect this and your legacy endure through the ages," she intones, her words carrying the weight of tradition and the fervent hope for a prosperous future.

Eliza and Vlad exchange a heartfelt glance, their souls entwined in a love that transcends time.

With the blessings of the Ancient Gods and the sacred spirits of nature surrounding them, Eliza and Vlad join hands, kneeling before the awe-inspiring heart tree as a symbol of their humility and devotion. A hushed moment of silent prayer passes, allowing the Ancient Gods to witness their union.

As they rise, Vlad's hands tenderly remove Eliza's maiden's cloak, signifying her transformation into a wife, while her eyes meet his, reflecting boundless affection. He adorns her with the cloak of a bride, a symbol of their unity and commitment to each other.

With warmth and affection, Vlad carries Eliza in his arms, embracing her delicate form, and together they embark on the path to the grand feast, where their love and devotion will be celebrated by all in attendance. Under the watchful eyes of the Ancient Gods and the spirits of the godswood, the night resonates with joy and love, as Eliza Stark and Vlad Tepes step into a future intertwined, united by the bonds of love and blessed by the Ancient Gods themselves.