The spiritfolk village awoke with joyful excitement the morning after the engagement. With the blessings of the elders, preparations for Sam and Ren's upcoming wedding began in earnest.
Sam found himself thrust into a whirlwind of rituals, traditions, and challenges. From choosing ceremonial attire woven with spirit-thread, to learning the beastkin wedding customs, every day was a new experience. Jon often laughed watching his old friend panic over things like flower choices and ribbon arrangements.
Jon (teasing):
"Who would've thought? Samwell Tarly, spirit warrior and bridegroom-to-be."
Sam (groaning):
"I've read hundreds of books. None of them prepared me for planning a wedding with a fox beastkin tsundere."
Meanwhile, Ren was equally overwhelmed. Though she tried to maintain her calm exterior, her growing affection for Sam softened her edges. When no one was watching, she would smile at the handcrafted ring or sneak glances at him while he trained with spirit blades.
Asha and SatSuki helped with the preparations, becoming close to Ren in the process. They braided flower crowns, embroidered spiritfolk blessings into her kimono, and even helped her secretly write a heartfelt vow for the ceremony.
But not all was peaceful.
One night, under the silver glow of the twin moons, Elder Syldora and Benjen Stark summoned Jon to the Elder Hall.
Syldora:
"We've sensed a dark surge... something foreign creeping along the forest's edge."
Benjen (grimly):
"It doesn't feel like corrupted beasts. It's colder. Smarter."
Jon narrowed his eyes.
Jon:
"Then we'd better find it before it finds us."