Sorrow shall never cloud your day again
For I will be the sun that brightens your day
All the light vanished around them save for an aura that outlined their bodies. The Wunjo rune, for joy and kinship, lit up next.
And your hands shall never be cold again
For I will be the one holding them
The grip of their hands felt permanent, like they would never again let go. North didn’t want to. Ehwaz, the rune of twin souls, appeared, the other runes glowing brighter with each addition.
Your enemies shall be my enemies
As my enemies shall be your enemies
But they will never defeat us
For together we are stronger
A shadowed figure emerged from the darkness, charging towards them. As one, North and Vali each released one hand, the others still firmly intertwined. Their free hands each held a sword and together they slashed down the figure. The Algiz rune for protection joined the line down their arms.
No hurdle shall ever be too high
For we will overcome it together
Their bodies lifted off the ground and North found herself wrapped in Vali’s arms. The Uruz rune for strength.
And you will be mine as I will be yours
With this I vow my life to be yours
In life and in death—and for all eternity
North stared deep into Vali’s soul, a lifetime flashing before her eyes. Their lifetime. She wondered if he was seeing the same thing from his perspective. Before she could ask, he faded from existence and her foggy mind returned to the sacred garden.
She was still in his arms. And the last rune glowed just as bright as the rest. The Inguz. The rune for love and harmony.
“Frigg sends the highest honour of her blessing,” the priestess declared, flower petals raining from the sky. It was the most magical experience of North’s life, and she still couldn’t take her eyes from Vali’s.
They recited the ancient vows. As per tradition, North went first, speaking the words in the ancient tongue.
“Eilífu geði.
Þar sem hjartað.
Vernda þig að eilífu.”
Vali repeated the vows in his own language.
“May our spirits be one forever.
Where your heart is, there I will be also.
I vow to protect you forever.”
The sincerity in his voice rang clear to all those who heard it. It touched North’s heart to know he meant the words as much as she did. The glowing runes dimmed until they were barely visible, shimmering faintly in the light.
“May Freyja bless you with love and passion. May Frigg give you the sight to overcome your obstacles and trust each other with your blades. And may Thor bring strength and courage to your union, that you may always find your way home to one another.”
