"Because we are pacifists, it was easy for slavers to capture us," Missandei explained.
Ned's heart broke at the thought of his beloved having lived most of her life as an enslaved person, but he had to admit that if she had not been captured, Ned would never have met the love of his life.
Ned then explained that he worshipped the Old Gods and that they married under the Gods Tree, "But since we are so far from a Godswood, I do not mind getting married in the ways of your people, my love."
Missandei frowned and took Ned's hands, "You had to sacrifice your faith in your first marriage, Ned; I do not want you to do it again."
Ned smiled and kissed his betrothed, "Then we shall compromise. We shall marry in the ways of your people now, and when we return to the North, we will have another ceremony under the Weir wood tree."
Missandei beamed at Ned and agreed. With that decision made, the rest of the preparations could move forward. Since Missandei was taken from her home at such a young age, her memory of the wedding vows was vague, so, Rhaesa suggested that Melisandre conduct the ceremony, partly in the Ghiscari and that of Missandei's people. Melisandre had traveled to the summer isles and was somewhat familiar with their customs.
Of course, they would forgo the examination of Missandei to prove her fertility. It was a humiliation that Rhaesa would not expose her friend too, and Ned had informed Missandei that if children resulted from their union, he would love them dearly, but if not, he would not think less of her.
Weeks went by, and finally, the wedding day had arrived. It was customary for the bride's father to walk his daughter down the aisle, but Missandei asked Ser Barristan if he would do it instead.
Ser Barristan looked at Missandei in surprise, "My Lady, it would be my great honor to stand in for your father."
The ceremony was held in the large garden so that the dragons could also attend and watch their Missandei wed her mate. They flanked either side of the aisle and sat quietly on their best behavior. Ned was a little nervous at first, having such deadly animals at his wedding, but Rhaesa explained they were all very fond of Missandei and considered her a part of their family. She also informed Ned that they wanted to ensure that nothing interrupted Missandei's big day.
As Ned stood at the end of the aisle, waiting for his bride, he reflected on his life. For years he had been miserable with Cat, though Ned did his best to make the marriage work for the sake of his children. But when he discovered Catelyn's infidelity, Ned knew it was only a matter of time before something happened and their marriage would end. He didn't expect it to be the death of his eldest daughter and him having to flee to Meereen for that to be the push for him to end his marriage. But then again, Ned thought he would never find love in such a far-off place. Perhaps it was the will of the Old Gods that brought him here?
As Ned thought about his time in Meereen, he couldn't deny that even though it was a completely alien place, he had never been happier, especially since finding Missandei. Ned still missed the North, but if Missandei wanted to return after marrying in the ways of the Old Gods, Ned would not be opposed. Robb was more than capable of being Lord of Winterfell and was better trained than had been at his age. Ned could truly see himself making a life for him and Missandei in Meereen.
As these thoughts filled his mind, Lady Melisandre got his attention, "Lord Stark, we are ready to begin."
Ned looked at the Red Priestess and nodded. He looked down the aisle and gasped when he saw Missandei being escorted by Ser Barristan. Ser Barristan was in full armor with his white Kingsguard cloak billowing out. On his arm was the most beautiful woman Eddard Stark had ever seen. Missandei was wearing a blue long-sleeved gown made of Myrish lace with gold embroidery along the hem and bust line. She wore a simple blue belt around her waist, and a pearl necklace was given to her by Rhaesa. Her chocolate-colored hair was pinned up beautifully; Eddard thought that Missandei was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.
The music began to play, and Queen Rhaesa and Princess Daenerys led the way down the aisle, followed by Ser Barristan and Missandei. As Ned watched his bride approach, his heart swelled with pride and love for this woman. His eyes blurred, and Ned reached up and wiped his tears away.
As Missandei walked towards him, all he could see was the adoration and love reflected in her eyes, and for once in his life, Ned knew he had made the right decision. When the two finally reached Ned, Ser Barristan kissed Missandei's forehead and placed her hand in Ned's, "Take care of her, Lord Stark; she is precious to many of us."
Ned bowed, "I will, Ser Barristan; I will do everything to make Missandei happy."
Satisfied with Ned's answer, Ser Barristan nodded and stepped out of the way so that Ned could take his place. He smiled down at Missandei, and they turned to face Melisandre.
Melisandre raised her hands to get everyone's attention, "We are gathered here today to witness the union of Lord Eddard Stark to Missandei of Naath. As you all may or may not know, Missandei follows the faith of the Lord of Harmon,y and I am one of the views who knows the marriage ritual I shall be conducting. Will you all please rise?"
The rest of the ceremony was a blur for Ned; the only thing he could think of was how lucky he was to marry the woman he loved and that they would be happy together forever. Ned gave the proper responses when it was time, though he genuinely didn't remember the ceremony; he was transfixed on his bride. When the ceremony was over, Ned and Missandei faced the audience; Melisandre placed her hands on their shoulders, "May I present to you Lord and Lady Stark. May your days from this day forth be blessed by the Lord of Harmony and the Lord of Light," Melisandre added, "Lord Stark, you may now kiss your bride."
Ned turned and smiled at Missandei; he cupped her cheek and kissed her sweetly. A cheer went up from the audience, but the loudest being the dragons as they roared their happiness, flew into the air, and did acrobatics while blowing rings of fire in celebration.
After that, Rhaesa and Daenerys rushed towards Missandei and hugged her tightly, congratulating her and wishing her the best. They also shook Ned's hand and welcomed him into their family. Once the excellent wishing was finished, The wedding party returned to the Great Pyramid to begin the wedding feast.