Kagan approached the Agurtzane and pressed his fist to his chest in greeting.
"I am Kagan, Daimio of Cadi and this is my bonded mate Giselle." Kagan introduced himself and Giselle.
"Greetings Daimio Kagan. I am Hiroki and this is Sidika."
Providence waved and smiled at the Agurtzane, who nodded to her with a smile in return.
"Thank you for your assistance. I am honored to have you celebrate a successful mission with us today." Kagan strode forward to stand next to the Agurtzane.
"Thank you, it is our honor." Hiroki bowed. His eyes however were drawn to the giant trees in awe. No doubt his planet didn't have such things.
"I hope we have prepared some fare to your liking." Kagan gestured towards the banquet.
Providence glanced at the long tables piled high with food. On one lay a giant fish the size of a massive tuna, stuffed with roasted vegetables. Providence wondered if Kagan hunted that behemoth down specifically to please his new allies, and to assure they were comfortable at the celebration.
"Your hospitality is greatly appreciated." Hiroki smiled at the sight.
Providence's head turned in time to see the new Toufik disembarking from the Agurtzane ship. Her anger instantly dissipated watching their furry faces fill with wonder as they strode down the ramp. More than one hairy individual almost tripped as they stared out at the verdant landscape that would be their new home.
Stone, Petal, Giselle and Kagan ushered both the Toufik and the Agurtzane over to the banquet. Providence joined them and found Dagaa and Madhava already assisting the other Toufik in grabbing a meal. The smile on her face was so wide it nearly hurt. The adult Toufik were hesitant and not greedy as they filled their plates. The youth weren't so reserved.
Providence and Giselle giggled as one hairy little boy piled his plate so high it nearly collapsed under the weight. His father made an admonishing gesture, but Stone clapped the male on the shoulder and made a motion, insisting the male relax and enjoy himself. The alpha male's face transformed as it truly dawned on him that his people would no longer have to scrape out a tenuous living.
"Worth the loss of a little tail, isn't it?" Dagaa whispered from behind Providence.
Providence turned and smiled up at him, glad he was happy and no worse for the wear.
"I hope you don't mind sharing our big day?" Dagaa said.
"Never, this is the best celebration I could ever imagine."
Providence didn't mind one bit that this was a dual celebration. In fact it only made their special day more monumental. If she had married some guy back on Earth her reception wouldn't have been nearly so awesome or meaningful.
"Providence, meet Ismat. He is the monk who will perform your mating." Giselle introduced Ismat.
"Hello, nice to meet you."
"Ismat good to see you again. Thank you for coming. Eat up." Dagaa started chatting with the monk.
Providence listened for a bit, then extricated herself and wandered over to Madhava. She wrapped her arms around his waist, at least as far as they'd reach around his broad frame.
"I'm sorry. I really thought that Kagan personally asking her to be here would change her opinion somehow."
"Never be sorry for anything you do for me." Madhava hugged Providence. "I got to see the young. They are getting big. Timur looks so much like my father it's striking."
Providence hugged him back. Despite his sister's rejection Madhava still appreciated getting the chance to see his niece and nephew, if only from afar.
"I love you." Providence snuggled into his chest.
"Let's grab something to eat." Dagaa walked up to them with a smile.
"Agreed or we might go hungry." Madhava grinned as he elbowed Stone.
Stone bared his teeth and pretended to snap at Madhava as he reached for a plate. Petal with her big round belly yanked the hair on the back of Stone's head then made a gesture.
"She said mind your manners children are watching." Giselle whispered as she joined them in the buffet line.
Providence joined her men on a blanket in front of a giant bonfire, near the shore of the river. The cozy fire had been lit as daylight began to wane. It felt nice as the air began to chill. Providence sipped a glass of wine as she looked around. Kagan, Giselle and Ismat, sat on a blanket at one side of her. Stone and Petal were on the other side. Kore and her family apparently decided to stay, after what she'd said, and were seated at one end of the front row. The Toufik and Cadi were on various blankets in the field. Despite the flagging daylight several of the young Cadi had finished eating and were happily splashing around in the river, taking delight in the clean fresh water. Providence laughed as she noticed the Agurtzane had joined them in the water as well.