"Are you happy?" Dagaa asked.
"Yes!" Providence leaned into him and stuck her feet in Madhava's lap.
Madhava grinned and slipped her shoes off, wiggling her toes before massaging her feet.
"Good so am I." Dagaa said as he rubbed her shoulders.
"Me too." Madhava smiled as he palmed her calf.
Providence smiled remembering a certain night where her two men had massaged her while a fire flickered in the background. It was funny how life circled back around sometimes. Providence would've never believed that night, that she would be here today with Dagaa and Madhava.
Providence thought about her family. She'd always imagined her father would give her away on her wedding day. Providence quickly shook off her morose thoughts. She refused to let anything interfere with today.
Kagan stood up and everyone quieted.
"Friends we are gathered here today to celebrate a successful mission and to join a bonded trio." Kagan glanced towards his gathered warriors, the few Agurtzane and the new Toufik. "Dagaa's team met with some particularly harrowing adventures. Considering all that befell them I feel blessed that the Goddess saw fit to return our brethren safe and sound. Not only did this team meet our new allies," Kagan gestured to Hiroki, who nodded, "and rescue our new brethren. They did it all while the storm to end all storms was breathing down their necks. If that wasn't enough, in the midst of all this Dagaa's team and our Agurtzane friends also fended off a surprise attack from the Jurou Biljana. Just as the end neared, they met a whole new ally that helped pull them back from death's door. I am beyond honored to have friends such as this."
As she listened to Kagan, Providence was in awe of what happened in the span of a single long ass day. She was tired just thinking about it.
"I'm sure the warriors there that day, will be more than happy to regale you with their story, however Giselle is giving me the evil eye which means I need to move on."
Several warrior's that knew Giselle chuckled. Providence looked over to see Giselle smiling sweetly, which was a put on.
"Friends I want you to enjoy this evening and know that you have my greatest esteem. You bring great honor to all of Cadi. Ismat I leave it to you." Kagan spoke to the entire group, but he looked mainly at Dagaa and Madhava, his closest friends.
Providence realized that Kagan must've been just as relieved that they returned, as she was.
"We would have honored you today with a traditional dance, but were worried it would frighten the young Toufik, and disturb our peaceful allies." Madhava leaned in and whispered sounding disappointed.
"I'm happy just to have you." Providence squeezed Madhava and Dagaa's hands to let them know it was okay. She didn't know what this traditional dance was, but if Madhava thought it was frightening, she could only imagine.
Kagan sat and Ismat stood.
"Cadi we are gathered here today before Kali to join these two warrior, Dagaa and Madhava, with their bonded, Providence."
Providence shorted out the moment Ismat started talking.
"I'm getting married." Providence kept thinking.
As much as she tried to pay attention all she could do was look from Madhava to Dagaa and back again. The firelight reflecting in their eyes was nothing compared to the fire that burned in their gazes as they held her hands. Providence was mesmerized. She felt the heat of their desire well up in her. Providence wanted to blush as Madhava and Dagaa eyed her wantonly in front of all these people.
Suddenly they both released her hands, stood up, and approached Ismat by the fire.
"Don't flip out." Giselle leaned over and whispered.
"What?" Providence snapped out of her trance.
When Ismat grabbed a hot iron brand out of the fire Providence realized what was about to happen. Providence bit her lip and watched wide eyed, as Madhava and Dagaa stood stoically, while Ismat pressed the molten brands against their chests, creating a swirling, beautiful yet frightening design. Ismat took turns adding a mark then rubbing dark charcoal paint into the raw wound, moving from one of her men to the other. Sweat poured down their bodies as Ismat worked. Providence sat so close she could hear their flesh sizzle and the unmistakable scent filled her nose. Her stomach lurched threatening to rebel.
Providence couldn't believe Dagaa and Madhava were suffering this to mate her. She hadn't expected, nor did she require them to mar their bodies. Neither of them needed any more scars. If Providence had known she wouldn't have agreed to this mating ceremony. Dagaa and Madhava didn't make a sound, they just stared at her, their eyes filled with love. Her eyes were riveted to theirs, willing them to see just how much she returned their affection. Providence was trembling, the tear streaming down her face by the time Ismat finished.