The celebration that took place after our ceremony was one that I would never forget. Even though I knew it was about Eyarr and me, I wanted to make sure the other couples in our circle had as good a time as we did.
I saw Mom and Dad dancing together near a torch, and I could see the love in their eyes. I could see the love in their eyes, especially in the way Dad watched Mom's body sway to the music. I knew the music was different than at home, but it felt comforting and familiar. The drums, the flutes, and the rattles were all things that we had in common.
There weren't any stringed instruments on Motunui, but I could tell my family enjoyed the sound of them - the gentle strumming in the background added to the energy.
The Great Hall wasn't big enough for everyone, so we gathered in the main village square for the celebration. But that was okay. The warm summer evening, with a beautiful sunset in the background, bathed the village in brilliant oranges and pinks that slowly faded into the inky black sky. I could see the first stars beginning to twinkle, announcing their presence to the world.
I saw Mom and Dad dancing together near a torch, and I could see the love in their eyes. I could see the love in their eyes, especially in the way Dad watched Mom's body sway to the music. I knew the music was different than at home, but it felt comforting and familiar. The drums, the flutes, and the rattles were all things that we had in common.
There weren't any stringed instruments on Motunui, but I could tell my family enjoyed the sound of them - the gentle strumming in the background added to the energy.
The Great Hall wasn't big enough for everyone, so we gathered in the main village square for the celebration. But that was okay. The warm summer evening, with a beautiful sunset in the background, bathed the village in brilliant oranges and pinks that slowly faded into the inky black sky. I could see the first stars beginning to twinkle, announcing their presence to the world.
There were various torches lit, adding extra light and warmth to the mood. There were even lanterns of different colors hanging in between houses and posts. And around us, there were tables and chairs set out. Some tables had food and drink available. There was also a little area for the village children to play.
As Eyarr and I wandered through the crowd together, I noticed that there were all sorts of shells and different plants in various arrangements as decoration.
I don't know how Hiccup and Astrid managed to pull this off, but I was incredibly grateful for them going to all these lengths for my wedding.
After some more socializing, Zephyr and Tannr came to join us. Zephyr gestured to where Eyarr and I were sitting; in the middle of a long table that faced an arrangement of other large tables and benches where our guests would be seated.
Finally, the time came for the celebratory feast. As Eyarr and I took our seats, I could tell that he appeared a bit overwhelmed with all the attention. But I gave him a loving smile and gently patted his back. He sat to my left, and to my right was my family. Mom sat right next to me, with Dad and then Gramma, Aihe, and Heilani.
To Eyarr's left were the Haddocks, including Tannr and Saoirse. Next to them were Ana and Dustin, and then Zyrah and her family. The extended family and friends of the Haddocks sat at nearby tables, and everyone seated accordingly.
The warmth and love was palpable in the air, and I fought back tears seeing everyone I called family sitting here with me and with my new husband.
Once everyone was settled, Hiccup stood, clinging a fork against his metal goblet, bringing everyone's attention to him.
"Before we proceed with the festivities, I first want to thank everyone for their hard work on making this joyous day a brilliant success for our newlyweds," there was a round of applause, and I couldn't help but join in, "But of course, I also wanted to share a few words, especially for the bride, one of whom we honor here tonight."
Hiccup turned to me, his green eyes twinkling in the lantern light around us, and I could see the beaming smile through his graying beard, "Laeli, I just wanted to say that you have brought a kind of wondrous change to New Berk that I can't quite describe. Even though our island was quite different, you proved your resiliency and adaptability, something that I can say fits right in with us. Not only did you become part of our community, but you've also become family to us. And I think I speak for all of us here that we're beyond proud of the woman that you've become. I am proud to call you an honorary Haddock and, of course, a true New Berkian. From Astrid and I, we wish you and Eyarr the best possible future together. Cheers!"
His smile was even broader, he raised his goblet, and others followed suit, and a chorus of "Cheers!" echoed through the crowd. I couldn't fight back a couple of tears that rolled down my cheeks, touched by Hiccup's words. I'd always known he cared for me, but hearing him express that in the manner he did meant more than I could've imagined.
Then, to my surprise, Mom also stood. I glanced at her, not knowing she had planned this. But at the same time, I had a feeling she might.
She also glanced at me, also with a beaming smile.
"I'd also like to share a few words," She began, turning her attention to Hiccup, "from one chief to another, I'm incredibly grateful for the hospitality and kindness you've shown to my daughter, myself, and my family. Learning about this place from her was nothing short of incredible, and I feel a sense of connection knowing that even though we didn't know it then, we became leaders during great times of change, and I applaud you for what you were able to accomplish."
Mom then turned to us.
"To my wonderful daughter, I'm so incredibly proud of you for creating a new life for yourself, taking what you've learned, and bringing it here. I know that your grandfather is just as proud of you as we all are. And to Eyarr, I know you faced many challenges before you and Laeli met each other, but I can see the positive change you bring out in each other. From Keoni and I, it's an honor to call you family. And to our friends and extended family, we're all a part of each other. Cheers!"
"CHEERS!" Our guests echoed, raising their cups together.
"TO THE HAPPY COUPLE!" A voice called, and the crowd followed suit.
Eyarr and I looked at each other, and in the firelight, I could see his beautiful golden eyes glimmer with tears. There was a huge smile on his face, creasing his scars. Just seeing the way he gazed at me made my heart leap in a way I couldn't quite describe.
As we sat there with our friends and family and the village before us as dinner was being served and passed, I couldn't help but allow myself to reminisce on the years before all of this. The memories of adapting to New Berk, to all the pain I had felt being away from home— to meeting Eyarr, and everything we experienced and survived.
It was easy to say I deserved this. The joy of my wedding day, and the fact that my family could be here to see it.
I sniffed and wiped a tear off my cheek, and at that moment, I saw the musicians beginning to pick up their instruments again, inviting the guests to dance and celebrate even more. From a laugh to my right, I saw my sister and Heilani leave the table to go join the others.
As the music picked up, there was also the distant sound of nighttime insects beginning their evening songs. Night was falling, but the village remained lit with firelight and lanterns glowing brilliantly. There were also the sounds of the various animals moving about, some probably getting ready to sleep.
As I was taking in the warm and cozy atmosphere, I caught sight of Eyarr standing from his chair out of the corner of my eye. Turning to him, I realized he was holding his hand out for me.
"Dance with me." He grinned.
He and I had only danced together for our engagement party in the Celtic village. We hadn't danced together since then. I didn't know what he had in store for me, but I welcomed whatever surprise was coming.
The music slowed a bit to a gentler tune, and the crowd gave us space to dance together as a married couple. A bonfire was lit in the center, with the musicians off to the side.
With a grin, Eyarr placed his hand on my waist and took my other hand in his. As he spun us around in a circle, I marveled at how natural it all felt. The way he gently swayed me, his hand on my lower back, keeping me close to him. I could feel his thumb lovingly caress my back and the way his fingertips lightly scratched the fabric.
He gazed at me, his eyes filled with pure joy, radiating genuine love.
"You look incredible." He said.
"So do you," I replied, grinning.
"I think you're the more attractive one, honestly." I just rolled my eyes but couldn't fight back the chuckle.
"Whatever you say."
"You know I do mean it. You're truly the most incredible, most beautiful woman I've had the luck of meeting. You're talented, smart, creative… and, most of all, kind. The fact that you gave me a chance… Gave me the time and space to grow, to understand… it means more than you know. And I'm beyond blessed to call you my wife."
My heart practically flew out of my chest hearing him actually call me his wife now. It was indescribable. And I loved every second of it.
Soon, the night began to slow, and guests bid us their final congratulations and goodnight. The crowd trickled thin, and soon, it was Eyarr, myself, our families, and friends left.