The ceremony was done and now it was time for the bruð-hlaup or "bride-running,".

We, (Meaning the groom's men, and the Bride's maids.) Were to race to the hall. Whoever got there last had to serve the mead to the members of the other party. 

And we girls meant to win. I whispered something important in Astrid's ear. She giggled and told the other girls quickly.

"Are you all ready?" Verdandi asked with a ghost of a smile on her lips.

We nodded. I stood next to Theoric as we both got into a running positions.

"Go!"

I hiked up my skirt and knocked Theoric's leg out from, under him running for the hall. 

I heard the impact as he hit the ground. Then an angry, "Sigyn!!"

I only laughed in response.

With that bit of trickery and fun, us women made it to the hall before the men.

"I hardly think that was fair." Theoric muttered rubbing his chin ruefully.

"You have scruples about fairness now?" I smiled sweetly cocking my head to the side.

An odd mixture of a laugh and a sigh came out of his mouth as the wedding party went in before us. 

I stopped before the threshold of the door and looked at Theoric expectantly. 

"What?" he asked. 

I looked back at Theoric's father.

"Your sword..." He hissed. 

Theoric pulled out his sword, his face bathed in confusion.

"You're supposed to stop me from entering the hall, you don't want me to trip on the threshold do you?" I asked sardonically. 

"I'm thinking not???" He asked, scuffing the toe of his boot into the ground. 

"Well considering it's an omen of bad luck..." I replied. 

Theoric blinked down at me. 

I sighed heavily and moved his sword bearing arm in-front of me.

"There. Honestly what has your father taught you?"

He smiled uncertainly at me. I shook my head, rolling my eyes. 

"And now we go in together." I replied taking his hand. 

We stepped into the torchlight of the hall to a sound of boisterous applause. I took a dramatic bow and Theoric followed suit. The people laughed.

Theoric's father approached us and whispered something in Theoric's ear.  Theoric nodded, breaking free of me and holding his sword aloft in the air. He walked over to the largest supporting pillar and pulled his sword back over his shoulder, then in the oddest way I had ever seen he held it like a javelin and plunged it straight through the beam. The sword was swallowed by the wood all the way up to the hilt. 

My jaw dropped. The Hall went deathly quiet. I walked over to the other side of the beam, my footsteps echoing in the silent room. The sword had come out the other side. I gasped.

"Truly this will be the most blessed marriage we've ever seen." Verdandi remarked. 

 "To Theoric!" I cheered.

"Theoric!!!" Everyone echoed. 

"Alright, Now where can I get some ale?" Theoric grinned.

"You're serving it, its in the kitchen." I smirked. 

Theoric brought out the pitchers and the men quickly served us women. It was now time for the ceremonial drinking of the bridal ale. Verdandi made her way over to me with the Kåsa (A viking cup as pictured above). I filled it with mead and made my way over to my new husband. I laid the dish in front of him and recited the formal verse...

" Ale I bring thee, thou oak-of-battle,

With strength blended and brightest honor;

'Tis mized with magic and mighty songs,

With goodly spells, wish-speeding runes."

Theoric smiled and went to take a sip. but his father quickly caught his attention, mouthing to him across the room.

"MAKE A TOAST TO ODIN!" 

Theoric cleared his throat, "Hail Odin, may he bless this marriage, and my new wife, Sigyn... Skål!"

"Skål!" The people echoed. 

Theoric took a sip and passed the cup to me.

"Hail Frigga, all-mother may she bless this union and my new husband! Skål!" I smiled.

"Skål!!"

Verdandi spoke up for the final ritual, bringing an image of Thor's hammer. She laid it on my lap. "Bring the Hammer the bride to bless: On the maiden's lap lay ye Mjolnir; In Frigga's name then their wedlock hallow!"

Finally the festivities could begin.

There was dancing, 

Drinking

Wrestling

And a few good natured insult contests which my husband won. 

And all too soon it was time for us to head to the longhouse.

I was taken aside by Verdandi who walked me towards my new home. 

"I am very happy for you!" She smiled.

"Why is that?" I asked. 

"I've noticed how Theoric seems to be treating you now. It has taken a burden off my shoulders."

I nodded, "I like the new Theoric... but I fear that he may change back."

"I've perceived otherwise. Fret not my dear, focus only on tonight."

I stared at her wide eyed.

"You'll be alright." She laughed. "Besides what you two do or don't do, is none of the village's business."

I nodded as we approached the house.

We went inside and finished the preparations. 

Verdandi placed the flower crown on my head and sat beside me on the bed.

"Your mother would be so proud of you..."

"You think so?"

"I know so."

Verdandi blinked back tears. She shook her head and reached down into her satchel to retrieve something.

When she spoke again her voice was thick with tears..."Here. This was hers. she would want you to have it."

It was a broach necklace, white and metal beads formed it with an odd gem at the center.

"It's beautiful. Thank you Verdandi." I smiled tears filling my eyes.

"You're welcome. Oh and don't worry about tonight I'll make sure no-one bothers you."

"Believe me there'll be nothing to bother..." I chuckled awkwardly. 

She threw back her head and laughed.

"Hey Verdandi?"

"Yes?"

"Can you pass me my dagger?"

"Yes sure..."

She passed it to me peering into my eyes.

I smiled at her impishly.

"I see... Give him hell." She chuckled as she walked through the door. 

"Goodnight Verdandi." I replied innocently, adjusting my crown.