Sypha had long sent word to her tribe of Codrii Speakers informing them of her condition and impending nuptials. She invited them to come to Belmont for the festivities and to help with the building of the new village since they excelled at that sort of thing.

She had a slight fear of seeing her grandfather though. She had become a strong proponent of the written word and was afraid a heated debate might ensue. The vast knowledge entombed in the Belmont Hold (not to mention the castle) had greatly impressed her. For people to memorize and then pass on that knowledge would be practically impossible.

Her cousin Arn, however, might be more receptive to the idea of the written word. He was younger and more progressive than their grandfather and Sypha knew he respected her opinion.

No matter what, she knew her people would love to come here. The village was in great need of assistance and the Speakers could spend years upon years trying to learn everything there was to learn in the Hold and the castle. They were also scholars and could help teach at Alucard's new school. She certainly hoped they would stay at least long enough to help her with the baby.

She knew it would take the Speakers some time to travel to Belmont but she hoped they would arrive in time for the wedding which was planned for next month.

The villagers of Belmont not only saw Alucard as their savior but Trevor and Sypha as well. While they were working hard to build their new town they were also busily (and happily) preparing for the wedding. It would also serve as a celebration of their victory over Death and his night creatures. They had all been too busy cleaning up and building homes to throw a party before this.

It had taken some convincing but the 'Lord of the Manor' did finally consent to officiate the marriage ceremony. Greta agreed to be the Made of Honor. Trevor, however, was still unsure as to who he would ask to be his best man. Although he refused to admit it to anyone else, he would have asked Alucard if the dhampir didn't already have a role to play.

The wedding plans marched forward steadily. The flowers the villagers had planted a few months back in preparation, were beginning to bloom. Sypha had chosen a gorgeous gown from among those stored in the Hold for her wedding dress and some of the more skilled women of the town were working together to alter it for her. The men had been hard at work building cottages for the people and barns and pens for their livestock but still found time to construct benches and kneelers for the ceremony and tables for the feast.

Trevor spent a lot of time down in the Hold. Alucard, the new curator, had given him permission (with feigned reluctance) to take anything he wanted. He did notice, however, that Alucard had removed the vampire skulls. He wondered if his friend had buried them or just stored them away. He would ask Greta. If Alucard had buried them, Trevor would offer to have a marker placed over the grave as a memorial to his people.

Trevor spent most of his time in the Hold reading over family histories and searching through all of the collected weapons and relics. He wished to confirm that all of the holy and magical weapons known to his family were contained in the Hold. If there were any that were not, he was determined to hunt them down and bring them back. He didn't want them falling into the wrong hands. After what he saw and found in Targoviste he was afraid there might be more weapons at large.

His family possessed many magical rings as well, that were acquired over the years. Trevor chose one to give to Sypha as her wedding ring. It was the ring of Feanor, the master ring. It would increase the overall strength of the wearer. Since Sypha's magical abilities were already quite strong this ring would make her an even more formidable opponent. Trevor wished to do everything in his power to make sure that Sypha and their children were well cared for and protected. His family history had proven to him that there would always be monsters to hunt and other evil beings to fight. Of course, one never knew the day or the hour… and in his profession he was unlikely to cheat death once again.

Amongst his family's possessions he found the traditional wedding garb that he would need for the ceremony. The village women who were altering Sypha's dress offered to tailor his clothes as well so that he would look his finest on his wedding day.

The ladies teased him that he would need to be sure to take a good bath before the wedding and promised him that in true Wallachian tradition the men of the village would shave his face and cut his hair for the ceremony. Trevor recoiled at the thought of cutting his hair and flatly refused that service. He explained that his bride-to-be liked it this way. The women tittered and giggled. They were teasing him about the hair cut but said he would most definitely be clean shaven. Although he knew Sypha also liked his scruff he wasn't going to tell these women that. It would return in a few days anyway.

...oOo...

The Speakers did arrive and with plenty of time to spare before the wedding. Sypha's grandfather was so pleased to see both her and Trevor again that he was in no way about to argue with her over anything. They were all introduced to Alucard and Greta. The former welcomed them to Belmont and provided them all with accommodations in the castle. The band of scholars was happy to finally meet the 'sleeping soldier.' Greta introduced them to the other leaders of the village so that they would know who to talk to about providing assistance.

The Speakers were impressed by the wealth of knowledge available in Belmont and soon organized their days around helping build the village and perusing (and attempting to memorize) the vast number of books in the Hold. Trevor would often join them in whatever tasks were at hand or in the Hold, showing them around the vast libraries and collections. He wanted to get to know Sypha's people better. He already liked her grandfather and having no more family of his own made his desire all that much stronger.

He spent most of his time with her cousin Arn, the two men were close in age. The Speaker enjoyed telling Trevor stories of him and Sypha growing up (and of course Speakers were exceptional story tellers). Trevor enjoyed hearing these tales as it gave him more ways in which he could tease his fiance. In turn Trevor told Arn about the battles he and Sypha had fought and other adventures they had on their journey through Wallachia. He also enjoyed spending time with Arn and getting to know him. Trevor had lost his own family and was happy now to be joining Sypha's. After a week or so of this companionship Trevor finally knew who he would ask to be his best man.

...oOo...

Finally the day of the wedding arrived. It began with the preparation of the bride and the groom for the wedding. The Lăutari, a band of musicians, took up station outside the bride's home. In this case it was the couple's new cottage which the villagers had built for them in the shadow of Trevor's tree. They would take up residence there after the wedding. The group played songs like "Ia-ți mireasă ziua bună" (Bride's farewell) while the bride and groom prepared for the wedding. The best man shaved the groom and arranged his tie and the like while the Maid of Honor braided the bride's hair and adorned it with a crown of flowers and ribbons and finally the veil.

Next the Lăutari would play songs as the villagers, dressed in their finest would parade to the church behind the best man carrying a decorated pole. Since no church as yet had been built in Belmont (Trevor did have plans for a grand cathedral, the construction of which would take years), the wedding would take place outside, in the courtyard between the castle and the ruins of the Belmont home.

Benches were lined up for the guests and kneelers were provided up front for the bride and groom.

Alucard stood at the front dressed in his finest white shirt, black pants and boots, and long black coat, having refused to wear any frippery for the occasion. He added a personal touch however by having his sword suspend itself above his head and behind as a cross.

Trevor, dressed impeccably in his Belmont crested finest, and Arn in his Speaker robes were to Alucard's left. They turned to face the back when they heard the music that announced the arrival of the bride.

Greta preceded Sypha down the aisle. Alucard could not help smiling at her in adoration. It was the first time he had ever seen Greta in a gown with her hair up and adorned with flowers. He didn't care if everyone saw how besotted he was. Until he heard Trevor snort and whisper, "It is my wedding you know."

Greta winked at Alucard and took up her place, turning to watch the bride approach.

Sypha was escorted down the aisle by her grandfather. She wore a gown of shimmering blue which hugged her curves perfectly (she was not yet showing). It fell all the way to the floor and had a slight train. Trevor had given her a necklace of diamonds and sapphires that she wore around her neck. It sparkled and glinted in the sun. Her auburn hair was braided and adorned with colorful flowers. A long sheer veil fell to her waist. Trevor was transfixed. It was Alucard's turn to snort, but Trevor didn't care. In Sypha he had everything he ever wanted: love, family, purpose, a home. She made him a better man. She completed him. Not to mention they were a formidable fighting duo. He only hoped that he could do the same for her.

When they arrived at the front of the makeshift church the elder gentleman reached out, took Trevor's hand and shook it, saying, "Take good care of my granddaughter."

"Always," Trevor replied with an appreciative smile.

Then her grandfather placed Sypha's hand in Trevor's. He turned to take his seat and the ceremony began.

It turned out that Alucard did know Latin, quite well, of course. The ceremony went beautifully. Sypha was shocked to receive the magic ring as her wedding band. Tears entered her eyes as Trevor slipped it on her finger. She knew how much these family relics meant to him. She was truly beginning to feel like a Belmont.

When it was time for the groom to kiss his new bride Sypha only expected a chaste kiss on the lips. Trevor was never one for public displays of affection. So she was quite surprised when Trevor gingerly lifted her veil, took her in his arms and kissed her long and passionately. As he pulled away they stared lovingly into each other's eyes.

"I love you, Trevor Belmont," she declared.

"I know," was his usual reply, accompanied by a smirk.

When it was time for them to walk down the aisle, Sypha was afraid that her legs, which had turned to jelly with that kiss, would not be able to carry her out. However, with Trevor to lean on she did make it safely to the back. As they passed, the guests threw corn and nuts at them to wish them prosperity.

The newlyweds stood at the back and greeted their guests as they departed. Many traditional wishes of "Casa de Piatra" (Rock-solid home) symbolizing a solid marriage, were expressed.

After the guests had left out the back, the benches were rearranged with the addition of tables so that the same space could be used for the banquet and the dancing. Trevor and Sypha began the dancing with a traditional Hora dance (a circular dance).

The villagers, always looking for ways to bring Alucard out of his shell, insisted that he participate in the "Dansul găinii" or chicken dance. Although the duty usually fell to the best man, Trevor had agreed mischievously that Alucard would be better for it. The chefs would dress up a roasted chicken and decorate it. Then they would dance with it while Alucard would negotiate the chicken's price with them. Eating would not commence until a price had been settled upon.

In retaliation for this public embarrassment (even though it was more at the instigation of the villagers than Trevor), Alucard decided to perform the traditional 'kidnapping of the bride'. Greta, Arn, as well as some of the other Speakers and villagers helped him. They lured Sypha away and locked her up in the castle's dungeon (all in good fun).

When Trevor noticed that Sypha was missing he knew immediately what was going on and approached his friend accusitorily. Alucard produced Sypha's necklace to prove that he had actually taken her as was custom. Trevor was supposed to negotiate a price for her return but Alucard offered a duel of swords instead stating that Trevor would have to fight his way to the dungeon to free her while Alucard defended his castle. The dhampir could, of course, summon his sword at a moment's notice and Trevor happened to be wearing his for the ceremony (as well as his leather whip, for Vampire Killer had been lost in the battle with Death). A devilish smile spread across Trevor's face as he accepted the challenge.

It was a tremendous display of sword fighting skills for the villagers as the pair parried and spared reminiscent of their fight in the catacombs under Gresit. Alucard had no intention of making it easy for Trevor and he knew it. The two fought all the way into the castle and down the long stairs to the dungeon. They may have gotten a little dirty in their rough and tumble fighting. Trevor finally won by using his whip to disarm Alucard and subdued the magical weapon under his foot. With Trevor's sword to his throat, Alucard smiled and passed over the keys to Sypha's cell. She had been well supplied with food, wine, and company (Greta and the Speakers) but had greatly enjoyed watching Trevor fight for her release. After unlocking the door, he scooped her up in his arms and carried her back out to the festivities.

The newlyweds danced again with each other and then danced with their guests. Trevor took Greta to the floor as well as some of the young ladies from the village. Sypha danced with Alucard, her cousin Arn, and her grandfather. It was at this point that Trevor thought it best they retire. He did not want Sypha overexerting herself in her condition. He was also eager to have his wife to himself. His wife!

So as the party goers reveled on and the dancers tripped away past midnight the newlywed couple repaired to their cottage to begin their honeymoon and their life together.

….oOo….

A/N: I had a lot of fun researching Romanian wedding traditions (Wallachia is in present day Romania). I did make free with some of them though. My sources were as follows: Wikipedia, the knot dot com, and hostelcluj dot com.

I also plundered the Castlevania fandom dot com page for information on Speakers and magic rings.