Slowly Mara moved to the front to Hulderic and stopped next to him. Hulderic was overcome by the beauty of Mara and seemed unsteady on his feet. Next to Mara the bridesmaids stopped. Mara was that close to Hulderic that she could brush her fingers across the back of his hand. It almost appeared like there were electric sparks flying between them.

The drums slowly faded out leaving only the Gemshorn and the Dudelsack playing. Then the Gemshorn also faded out leaving only the eerie sound of the Dudelsack filtering through the Meeting Hall. The Shaman made his way to the front of the bridal party and slowly raised his right hand. This was the signal for the Dudelsack to stop playing. It slowly faded away leaving dead silence. You could have heard a pin drop.

“Dearly beloved citizens of Hamburg” the Shaman started to speak, “we are here to witness the union of Hulderic the White Wolf to Mara Goddess of the Sea. Never before has there been such a blessed union in Hamburg and it is therefore my immense honour to be performing this ceremony.” As the Shaman spoke he was waving his Sceptre around. He was so animated that he was almost losing the official fur draped across his shoulders.

“You have both come here in front of your fellow citizens of Hamburg to make public your commitment you will make to each other. You will combine your lives into one life. Even though you will combine and share one life never forget that you are two separate people and always cherish those differences. Love each other always whether you are well or sick and most important of all always forgive each other for we all make mistakes sometimes. Sometimes we hurt each other without realising it and it is at those times we need to forgive each other and ourselves. Most important of all always respect each other for without respect there is no love.”

As the Shaman was speaking many of the ladies and some of the men were wiping tears from their eyes. Many women there reached across and held their husband’s hand, remembering their own wedding day and rediscovering love.

The Shaman slowly looked across the assembly there before he spoke again. “If there is anyone present that should object to the union of Hulderic the White Wolf to Mara Goddess of the Sea now is the time to speak.”

With a mighty bang the door to the Meeting Hall flew open. There was shocked silence when they realised that Gresunda was standing there.