"Alright! Everyone light the torches!"
"The clouds protect the newlyweds, shielding the evil moon!...
"The Black Wolf escorts the sun, awaiting the rise of the new day!..."
The crowd gradually stood up, murmuring blessings, and in their hands, they lit prepared torches. Soon, the points of light surrounded Xiulote. Then, the torches split into a path, and a dignified elderly woman walked in, carrying a stunningly beautiful delicate girl to Xiulote’s side.
Xiulote’s eyes widened, focusing intently as his heart raced. Alisa was dressed in a pure white cotton robe, her dark hair tied up, her crystal-clear jade feet bare, lying on the back of the wedding envoy. Her white robe first tightened slightly, outlining her slender waist, then loosened a bit, revealing her snowy pink long legs.
Upon hearing her lover’s call, Alisa slightly raised her head, boldly taking a look at Xiulote, and softly responded.
Her eyes were like water, her expression shy yet charming. Her delicate face had a faint blush, resembling a freshly ripe apple with a hint of enticing youthfulness. Her soft lips were tinted with rouge, pink and moist like cherries, tempting one to taste. Under the glow of the fire, the girl was shrouded in a warm orange light, evoking a strong desire to embrace her.
Xiulote pressed his lips together and swallowed hard. Seeing the elderly woman struggling, he took a step forward, reaching out his large hand towards the delicate girl...
Aweit swiftly blocked Xiulote’s hand with a raise of his scepter. He glared fiercely at Xiulote before turning his head and speaking to the elderly woman.
"Haha, no problem! Carrying Alisa to her wedding fulfills one of my wishes!"
The elderly woman laughed heartily, her demeanor calm and amiable. According to Alliance customs, the bride must be carried from her family’s home to the groom’s by a highly respected elderly woman. The entire process must be uninterrupted, and the bride cannot touch the ground. Once the ceremony is completed, the bride officially transforms from her father’s daughter to the man’s wife.
Thinking of this, Aweit slightly lowered his eyes, feeling a bit emotional. He bit his lip, glared at Xiulote again, and shouted in a deep voice.
Upon hearing the King’s command, the crowd raised their torches and surged out of the palace, forming a wedding procession of hundreds. At the center of the procession were the families of the bride and groom, flanked by Alliance nobles, surrounded by musicians and singers, with Royal Warriors clad in armor under long robes forming the outermost circle.
As the crowd walked slowly while singing and playing music, a large group of Capital City citizens was attracted, observing the wedding from afar and singing praises loudly. From the Royal Palace to the High Priest’s Mansion, the short journey took nearly half an hour before they arrived at the brightly lit mansion.
The High Priest Xutel, dressed in elaborate ceremonial attire and adorned with a bright Feather Crown, was already waiting at the main entrance of the mansion. As the groom’s guardian, he had been waiting in the mansion, preparing for the second feast.
"Greetings, High Priest Xutel! The Chief Divine casts a glorious light, the red sparrow brings joyful news!"
Cacamatzin stood at the forefront of the procession, holding a torch. He lowered his head slightly, a smile radiating from his face.
"Ancestors’ blessings! The sacred wedding is approaching, and the blissful marriage, like the night sky, will be forever merged and never parted!"
"Greetings, Elder Cacamatzin!"
The High Priest Xutel stood at the entrance, glancing at Xiulote from afar. Then, he bowed his head deeply.
"The Chief Divine witnesses, ancestors’ blessings! The grand door has opened, welcoming the sacred wedding. The bride and groom, like the sky and earth, will merge in the night, giving birth to divine offspring! From now on, only the Chief Divine’s call will separate them!"
Upon finishing, the two elders exchanged understanding smiles, touched arms, and led the procession into the main entrance of the High Priest’s Mansion. The two had known each other for many years, were of similar age, and were family brothers through their mutual grandfather.
The wedding procession filed into the mansion, gathering again in the garden. The garden was vast, with the altar of the Chief Divine at the center. A large newly dug fire pit filled with grass, pine branches, and spices was in front of the altar, and a seven to eight square meter hemp mat lay before the pit.
"Light the new bonfire! Under the ancestors’ watch, the bride and groom sit on the mat, connecting through ancient rituals!"
With that, Cacamatzin extended the torch and personally ignited the bonfire. Warm flames rose immediately, and wisps of green smoke curled up from the grass pile. Quickly, with the help of pine resin, the fire grew stronger, blending the pine’s fresh fragrance with aromatic spices, spreading throughout the garden.
Seeing this, Xiulote became somewhat anxious. Next was the most crucial part of the wedding, the connecting ceremony between the bride and groom!
Under the crowd’s expectant gazes, he was led by Uncle Cacamatzin to sit on the left side of the hemp mat. Uncle Cacamatzin removed his outer robe and shirt, exposing his youthful, well-defined chest.
Meanwhile, the elderly woman, sweating and panting, put down the carried Alisa. Though over fifty years old and robust, carrying Alisa for so long had indeed tired her. Thankfully, Alisa, despite her full figure, was light and delicate like a cloud.