Desert Princess Chapter 11
AN – I guess at some point one must stop tweaking. Sorry this took so long. I kept adding, deleting, changing focus etc. I'm still not completely happy but you let me know what you think.
Well it's finally here, the wedding. A big shout out and thank you to all you reviewers who took the time request updates. Your kind words really inspire me to write each chapter. As far as this chapter goes, you know I have give a little more background before we launch into the ceremony, that being said, I hope you enjoy this installment.
Disclaimer: I don't own these characters.
The Morning of the Wedding
"Olivia…Olivia, wake up, it is time to prepare for your wedding day", Rachel whispers. Rachel pulls back the covers on the bed only to discover Olivia is not there. Rachel looks over in the corner for Miriam, but she is also missing. Where could they be? The sun has not yet risen. Rachel puts on her sandals and her cloak and rushes out the tent. "Where could they be", she ponders nervously out loud. She looks up and down the pathway, then at the dew dampened ground. Noticing the two fresh sets of footprints she follows the marked trail of steps to the rear of the encampment. Much to her relief, there sitting on a boulder, wrapped in a blanket, are Olivia and Miriam.
"What are you two doing out here?" Rachel scolds.
"Waiting", Olivia says.
"Yes, waiting" Miriam seconds.
"Waiting? Waiting for what?" Rachel huffs.
"Sunrise", Miriam whispers, not wanting to disturb the quietude of their surroundings.
"Sunrise? Why are you waiting for sunrise?" Rachel squawks quickly tiring of their cryptic responses.
"We are waiting because this is my last sunrise as an unmarried maiden and I want to remember it. After today I will no longer greet the dawn with the simple cares of a young girl. Tomorrow I will greet the sun with the mind of a woman viewing the day in terms of my husband's needs and desires. My eyes will never see sunrise in the same way after today." Olivia spills.
"Olivia, are you lamenting this day?" Rachel asks with concern.
"No, no, of course not. I have come to love the amir and believe I will so more and more each day. It's just….." Olivia hesitates to say more.
"It's just what Olivia, please tell me daughter." Rachel asks; her concern increasing.
"It's just I have gone through so many rituals in these the past few days, I want to experience something for myself. My own private ritual. So I decided greeting the morning sun would be it."
"May I join you?"
"Yes, please join us."
The three women sit in silence. Moments later the glorious yellow and red rays of the sun burst on the horizon. Olivia takes in several deep breaths. She inhales the gentle affirming morning wind that accompanies the sun's emergence. She holds up her hands up in surrender, symbolically allowing the north gusting zephyr to blow away the last vestiges of her maidenhood.
Olivia begins to cry softly. Not out of sadness but because of thankfulness. Seven days ago, she prayed this day would never come because of the circumstances that brought her here. She had no plans to welcome the dawn on the day she was to become a concubine. She planned to covet her slumber and keep sunrise at bay for as long as possible. She planned to mourn this day. A day where she would marry a man she did not choose, a man she did not love, surrounded by strangers and cut off from her relatives or friends. A day where her dream of getting married in her father's tent would die. A day where there would be no shared laughter or tears with her sister, no words of praise or wisdom from her father. A day steeped in sadness.
Except that is not to be her fate. Olivia is suddenly overcome with emotion because she sees what the hand of God has accomplished in her life in a mere seven days. Today she eagerly embraces the dawn. Today she marries the man she chose. Today she marries the man she loves. Today she covets her future with Fitz; her habibi hayati. Today she will marry in the company of new friends and her surrogate mother Rachel. Today she will sit for hours listening to the words of wisdom offered by the tribal elders. Today God takes away the pain of her lost dreams and replaces them with something more wonderful. Olivia can honestly say she faces today with joy and not sadness.
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"Look at him. I have never even seen him smile like that when he is awake. Well, that is not until recently."
"A man only smiles in his sleep when he is dreaming of a woman. Given the broadness of his beam the woman must be most pleasing indeed."
"You have beheld Olivia; would you not retire each night with the same joyful countenance as he?"
"True, true brother, true, true", Harrison admits. It is time. Shall we wake him?"
Harrison and Huck rip the bedcovers from around Fitz's waist, startling him to consciousness. He reaches for the knife he keeps under his pillow and bolts up in a defensive stance.
"Whoa, whoa! Calm down great cobra!" Huck says laughing. "Good to see your serpent-like reflexes are at the fore."
"You'll need them this morning." The groomsmen, who are also laughing, chant their agreement.
"Have you all gone daft? What bedlam is this? What is going on?" Fitz spits as he slowly regains his composure, lowers his knife, and catches his breath. "Why are all of you in my tent? Is first light even upon us?"
"All the groomsmen yell – "The warrior hunt!"
"What…wait, no? Fitz takes a step back confused. "How is it possible? How do you know of the warrior hunt? It is not the practice here or in your territories. There are no wild herds near here." Fitz questions furrowing his brow.
"That may be cousin but if the bridegroom cannot come to the hunt; the hunt must come to the bridegroom." A familiar voice explains concealed from view by the wall of tall muscular groomsmen. Peaking head first from behind the last groomsmen, Gideon steps forward with a grin.
Fitz cannot believe his eyes. He is stunned speechless. He cannot believe Gideon is standing before him. He has not seen his cousin since he left his father's territory. Gideon moves swiftly towards his cousin. Fitz, overcome with emotion, pulls Gideon into a deep embrace. They hold each other tightly, tearfully kissing each other's cheeks. Gideon is Fitz's only tie to his mother's side of the family. The Doyle infidels had decimated her tribe during the Great Territory War. Gideon and his mother were the only survivors.
His confusion obvious, Fitz fumbles his words as he excitedly seeks the details on Gideon's surprise appearance. "How are you here? How did you know I am to wed?"
"I and this hunt are a gift from your friends." Gideon points to the ten groomsmen. "I was visiting Huck the day your messenger came announcing your plan to marry. I was bringing two unsaddled camels to surprise Sheikh Khalid whose territory borders Huck's. It can be said my visit to Huck was a fortunate happenstance. But I think not. Clearly, the gods had another plan in mind. This surprise must have been ordained for you before I even set my first foot to journey." Gideon pats Fitz affectionately on the shoulder.
"Yes, God has been abundantly gracious to me. I honestly do not know what I have done to earn such favor. What will you do about Sheikh Khalid?"
"What about him? He was not expecting the camels. As I said, the camels were to be a surprise. He will get the one you do not slay. He will be none the wiser, just as surprised and just as grateful. Today, the waiting untamed denizens of the desert belong to you my cousin. We will uphold the traditions of our people and honor their memory. Fitz our ancestors will live through us today."
"Shokran Gideon, shokran." Fitz hugs his cousin tightly one more time.
The warrior hunt was a wedding tradition practiced by Fitz's mother's tribe. As part of the wedding celebration, the bridegroom and his groomsmen would go on a hunt the morning of the wedding to capture a wild camel to roast for the wedding feast. Capturing the wild beast was emblematic proof of the groom's ability to provide for his family and his tribe.
"I brought two wild camels to hunt. We have them corralled in a sandy coomb north of here. Get dressed"; Gideon says as he hands Fitz his warrior dhoti.
A feeling of thankfulness settles over Fitz. He feels so blessed and appreciative at the moment that he has no words. He tries to speak his heart to his friends but the ability to utter words proves elusive. He bends his arm across his chest and bows ever so slightly to his friends. His groomsmen nod understandingly at his gesture of heartfelt thanks.
Standing in the company of his friends and Gideon, Fitz takes a moment to reflect on the hand of god in his life. Seven years ago, his life was upended by the infidel scourge Doyle. Though eventually defeated, the heathen forces of Doyle trekked a bloody trail of death and destruction that took away Fitz's closest loved ones through an unprovoked war. Later, the rampage continued when the dishonorable former Doyle jondi repaid his father Sultan Grant's kind hospitality by violating Fitz's mother. The pain from these horrendous losses was ever present in Fitz's heart; that is until seven days ago. Seven days ago god lifted the cloak of heaviness that tainted everything he saw and felt. In a matter of a few short days, his suppressed melancholy is vanquished by a passing glance, by a sweet laugh, by a beautiful smile, and with a hasty kiss. Olivia is the salve that made well his soul. She is the healing balm of his heart.
The new members of his new family are in this tent and waiting to exchange vows with him this eve. God has restored that which was lost and added even more.
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"Tighten the ropes. Quick he's about to bolt again! Watch out Fitz! Huck screams. Fitz falls back onto the ground before the hind legs of the camel connect with his head. Landing flat on his back, he scoots backwards using his elbows and feet to escape the animal's bucking legs. As soon as he is clear of the raging dromedary, he springs to his feet and wipes the sweat from his brow with his arm.
"How does the beast know he's tonight's dinner? Barakah, one of Fitz's groomsman yells.
"Go for the legs, Harrison shouts.
The other men chortling shout back, "you go for the legs! We have no interest in becoming drooling infants; because that is exactly what we will be if that camel kicks us in the head."
"I'm holding the reins. I cannot do both! Are you men or old women?" Harrison challenges.
All the men start swinging the nooses of their lassos above their heads. Most are comparable in height and build to Fitz, the exceptions being Gideon, Huck and Harrison. The group is shirtless, barefoot and wearing only the ancient warrior loin covering. Their sweaty flexing biceps, defined abs and tight quads glisten in the early morning sunlight and the short rear panel covering their contracting gluts flies up and down with their every movement. The camel bucks its hind legs again and this time two of the groomsmen are able to lasso the animal's legs midair. The other men rush up to help pull the two target ropes, which cause the camel to collapse under its own weight, and crash into the sand. Fitz runs up to the roped camel with his long curved saber, he pauses to say the prayer of thanksgiving, and then chops off the head of the camel. The groomsmen all warble and trill at the successful snaring of the evening's main entree. Fitz anoints the groomsmen's foreheads with the blood of the camel. The group gives out a resounding warrior howl and heads back to the encampment in high spirits. The cooks, who are standing by cheering on the group, skin, field dress the camel and load it onto a tether and return to camp.
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Billowing steam rises laggardly from the tree shrouded natural hot spring. Cooler air meets the heat radiating from the spring creating an eerie mist. Fitz and his groomsmen let the liquid warmth of the renewing waters calm their minds and soothe their aching muscles. Reclining peacefully against the polished stone walls, Fitz closes his eyes and lets his mind wander. At first, his memory transports him back to the night of the magnificent kiss he shared with Olivia. In his mind he is literally there experiencing it all again. He remembers how her scent made him euphoric and her touch enlivened his loins. How her sweet supple lips timidly pressed against his. How he relished the blissful feeling of her firm virgin physique sharing intimate space with his own body. He wanted to take her. He wanted to possess her, to shower her with his love, reveal his need, and physically express his desire. He wanted to be lost in her.
His vividly arousing memories quickly give way to future imaginings of her naked form in the very same hot spring he now sits. Wedged between his legs she lies back against his chest as he quietly recites lover's ash-shi'ru (poetry) to her. Olivia is ripe with child, his child and they are happy. He begins to alternate between massaging her shoulders and planting a trail of lingering kisses along the nape and side of her enticing neck. Craving more of her, his hands drift to her gestating belly. His splayed fingers gently stroke her stomach in a circular pattern and sensually move upward to her full breasts. Olivia moans at his touch and twists her body so she can passionately kiss her habibi. Her hardened nipples make contact with his strapping pectorals. Feeling his loins stiffen, he lifts her unto his…
"Fitz… Fitz…amir…are you alright?" Fitz happily lost in his fantasy is slow to respond to Harrison's voice.
"What? Did you say something? What do you mean? Oh, yes, I'm fine, just a little preoccupied." Olivia is beginning to invade his every thought.
"I understand your distraction. Today you expand your tent. Is this not what every man wishes? Having only met Olivia briefly, I do not blame you for being lost in the valley of dreams. She is beautiful." Harrison comments understandingly.
"Yes, she is beautiful, but she is more than that. Olivia is wise, thoughtful, caring and is of a gifted mind. I did not think it possible to be of a shared spirit but Olivia is of me and I am of her." Fitz says candidly.
"Fitz my friend I never thought you, of all people, would take on a second wife, given your view on your father's harem. However, after meeting Olivia I see why you feel compelled to do so. She is breathtaking and from what else you have told us, she is exciting and mysterious. Your scepter must rise at the very sight of her. Truly, you have found favor with the gods. Mellie is also a fetching prize but I sense Olivia is who you want to abide by your side most."
In his mind, Fitz thought, no truer words convey his desire for Olivia. He wants her, he needs her, and he shall have Olivia by his side. Her declaration at the admonishment ceremony touched his heart in way he never imagined possible. She chose him. With the change of one word, she let him know their marriage would no longer be based on procreation but mutual consent and love.
"One life, one home, one family, I join you Mellie daughter of Jahsh."
"One life, one home, one family, I choose you Fitzgerald son of Fitzgerald."
"It is as if god has given me a second chance. He has brought my true wife into my life by the hand of my escape mate."
"Escape mate?" Gideon, who has been listening attentively, asks curiously.
"I married Mellie to get away from my father. I was angry and that anger festered within me because of his lack of resolve to find my mother or the infidels who violated her. I had to get away from him before I committed a grave transgression."
"So Olivia is your noorainee? Huck asks.
"Yes, she is the light of my eyes. I wait for her. I watch for her. I exist for her. Olivia is the love of my life. My every feeling is controlled by the look on her face. I cannot breathe without her. I cannot sleep because of my unfulfilled desire for her. She is the woman I should have waited for. I thank god each day for giving me a second chance at true happiness."
"May Olivia bint Eli be your treasured resting place, may she keep your bed warm, your stomach full and your tent full of strong sons with gifted minds. May she be your faithful bride in youth and cherished wife at twilight". Harrison proclaims and the other groomsmen sound off in unified accord.
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Olivia climbs out of her final ritual milk bath. She lies down in her usual spot where the handmaids massage her with a special blend sugar scrubs and fragrant oils. A female oud player strums quietly in the corner of the tent, creating a tranquil atmosphere. Olivia is so relaxed she nods off and begins to snore softly. Rachel looks down at her, shaking her head and smiles. Rachel gently touches Olivia's face. "Olivia...daughter, it is time for your morning blessings from the bridesmaids." Olivia smiles back at Rachel, yawns, sits up and stretches. Sarai hands her the first in a series of four wardrobe changes.
What is this? Olivia asks.
"It is your wedding day prayer dress. Remember today you have a special outfit for each of your four nuptial rites. The morning blessing, the conveyance of wisdom from the elders, the wedding ceremony and the consummation." Rachel quickly rattles off the day's schedule of events.
Olivia rubs her fingers along the ornate beading and lacework of the purple loose fitting sleeveless thobe. She puts on the gown and the matching hooded jacket and waits. The bridesmaids and Mellie arrive shortly thereafter to offer wedding day blessings to a surprisingly very calm Olivia. The prayers are brief and focus on Olivia being fruitful, supportive and pleasing to her husband. Mellie is taken aback when no blessing is offered for her. She had become accustom to receiving the same blessings as Olivia. Unfortunately for her, Rachel reminded the group the day belongs to Olivia and all blessings should focus on her. Mellie miffed, mumbled under her breath something about getting even with Rachel for this slight. Mellie leaves the tent without speaking another word to anyone.
After Mellie's departure the bridesmaid help Olivia into her second outfit. It is a simple green dress with no embellishments. It is a humble garment signifying that she young, inexperienced and in need of tending. The costume is paired with plain sandals and a simple head covering. Rachel and Miriam take Olivia by each arm and escort her to small tent with five stools and three small rugs. The eldest married women of the tribe sit on the stools and Olivia, Rachel and Miriam sit on their knees on the rugs. The three bow to the elders out respect. The elders each takes turns imparting their wisdom to Olivia. The elders discuss a wife's responsibilities to her husband, her children and the tribe. They also offer insight into the wedding night and the physical obligations that come along with marriage. Olivia stays with the elders for most of the day. They answer her questions and extend to her the same maternal warmth they share with their own daughters. Sometimes the elder's responses to Olivia's question are couched in humor, other times sobering exactness. The elders tell her that two of them plus the wazir will serve as the consummation witnesses later that evening. Olivia, Rachel and Miriam bow and leave the elder's tent.
"Are you alright Olivia?" Rachel asks. "Are you nervous about the consummation?"
"Yes, I guess a little. I was fine until the elders talked about being witnesses. I thought this night…..this night.. never mind, I don't know."
"Speak your heart daughter. Are you scared?"
"Of Fitz; no. I know he will be gentle and kind."
"It's just the knowing that the elders will be standing outside our tent waiting for us to share our love and provide proof of my virtue is…..I don't know. Ignore me. I am fine."
"Olivia, you being nervous is perfectly natural and expected. No one in the tribe questions your virtue. Think of the final rite as merely the last step in binding you wholly to the amir. I know you want this time to be special for you and the amir; trust me it will be. Believe me daughter, when you two come together the presence of the witnesses outside your tent will not even cross your mind." Olivia nods her head and musters a weak smile.
"Come, it is time for you marry!" Rachel resolutely announces as she grabs Olivia's hand kissing her palm as she happily walks Olivia back to her tent.
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Fitz's Procession
Fitz paces back and forth inside his tent awaiting the arrival of Cyrus the Wazir. Cyrus and his newest two initiants will officiate the wedding today. Fitz alternates between clenching and releasing his fists to relieve the tension in his body. His groomsmen are laughing and joking around, seemingly oblivious to their friend's obvious anxiety. Fitz thinks to himself, two more rituals to perform and I can finally make love to my habibi. Mumbling to himself he repeats the mantra, procession-wedding forego dinner, procession-wedding forego dinner, procession-wedding forego dinner; my habibi.
Harrison glances over at his fidgety friend. He comes up behind Fitz, placing his hands on Fitz's shoulders, giving him a gentle shake. "Fitz it is almost time to start your journey of a thousand steps. Are you ready, he asks, his voice slightly above a whisper?"
"Yes, more than ready. You cannot fathom how much I ache for her; I barely understand this intense desire myself. In my heart I know I will never be complete without her. Life makes no sense to me without her presence. I am lost in her and without her." Fitz confesses.
"Fitz my brother you have but a little while before you share yourself with Olivia. Hold on, the day of expectation day is at hand. Your dizzying desire will be fulfilled in a matter of hours. Relax my friend, the woman who holds your heart will be yours forever before the rooster crows the new day. Shall I get you some wine to calm to your restless spirit?"
"No, thank you. Thank you for being here and for your encouraging words. I'm fine. There is truth in what you speak, patience is what I have need of not the fruit of the vine."
Harrison pats Fitz on the shoulder again. "Turn around, let us make sure you are properly fitted; you must be most dashing for your beautiful bride."
Gideon, Huck and Harrison encircle Fitz assessing the completeness of his wedding ensemble. Fitz is clad in the traditional ivory taqshita with a gold herringbone trim pattern on the shirt collar, shirt cuff, pant hem and red vest. He is accessorized with a ruby encrusted diadem, an ivory handled ceremonial battle sword and his family ring on his right hand. His close-toed camel skin na'al are also trimmed in gold with ruby studs along the instep strap. The groomsmen are similarly dressed but in the reverse. Dressed in red, their shirt collars, cuffs and white vests are trimmed with the same gold thread herringbone pattern and slung across their right hip is a belted scabbard housing a pearl inlaid battle dagger. Their feet are shod with plain tan sandals.
Half an hour after sunset Cyrus and the attendants arrive. Cyrus is in full purple and white regalia and the attendants in modest plain white thobes. He asks Huck if all is in order. Huck nods yes. Cyrus instructs Fitz and the groomsmen to line up. Outside of Fitz's tent the musicians, singers and torch bearers have assembled. Cyrus and the attendants exit the tent first. Cyrus bangs his ministerial staff three times on a wedding hajar (stone) placed at the tent entrance. The musicians begin to play and walk towards the pavilion. Cyrus takes his position behind the musicians, then the attendants followed by the groomsmen and Fitz. The singers bring up the rear of the procession. The entire procession is flanked on both sides by the torch bearers. The groomsmen wave their hands in the air to the beat of music and sing out the "groom is coming, the groom is coming". Their proclamation interspersed among the verses of praise for the groom being sung by the singers. The tribe lines the pathway leading to the pavilion. They throw flower petals for love and rice for fertility. Fitz smiles and waves to his people as the procession winds its' way slowly to the pavilion.
The large open-air tent is bedecked with even more flowers and olive branches than the night before. Lanterns are strung across the ceiling of the tent illuminating the interior. The roof vent flaps are open to prevent fire and to release the heat from the lanterns. The large openings give a wondrous view of the expansive star-filled sky. An altar now stands in the place previously occupied by the bridal party tables. In front of the altar is the prayer rug, the wedding bench and two square frame chairs. The curtain of separation rests on the wedding bench.
Cyrus stops the procession at the entrance to the pavilion by raising his shepherd's staff. The long horn musician blows the horn three times filling the still warm air with deep booming bellows. It is a herald, a call to order. Cyrus taps his staff three times against another wedding stone positioned at the pavilion entrance by his initiants. Cyrus and the initiants enter the pavilion and stand before the altar. The three kneel and kiss the altar. Cyrus stands and motions to the groomsmen.
In unison they shout, "the bridegroom arrives, the bridegroom arrives, the bridegroom arrives." The seated guests clap and cheer.
Fitz enters the tent and sits on the first chair facing the altar. The groomsmen follow him in and stand in line perpendicular to the wedding bench. The torchbearers and the procession musicians break formation and reassemble in a line in front of the pavilion on the left.
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Olivia's Procession
Olivia sat on a stool in her tent listening to the music and songs of the approaching cortege. Rachel stands besides her rubbing her back as Olivia rings her hands. "Try to relax Olivia. I know you are nervous but this will all be over soon. You only need to hold on a little longer."
"I am not really nervous, I am actually excited. Olivia replies rather matter of factly.
"Good, come, it is time for you to put on your bridal gown." Rachel claps her hands and immediately the bridesmaid come to attend to Olivia. Sarai the seamstress brings the chest containing the wedding gown and sets it before Olivia. Jada and Jamilah, the twin bridesmaids open the chest. Sarai helps Olivia remove her elder meeting outfit and put on her wedding undergarments. Rachel lifts the red omasa (bridal thobe) from the chest and assists Olivia in putting in on over her head. The forming fitting bodice is embellished with strips of gold fashioned into a herringbone pattern. The wide conical sleeves and sweeping skirt are trimmed with gold silk thread and studded with diamond chips. Olivia sits down and ruby sandals similar to Fitz's are placed on her feet. Her hair is brushed and pinned to cascade down her back. The only make-up she agrees to wear is saffron oil for her lips. Miriam brings over the wooden box containing the wedding bangles. Sarai helps Olivia put on the bangles. Having dressed the bride all the bridesmaids step back to admire their handiwork. Olivia looks stunning.
"The Amir will be well pleased indeed. Yes very well pleased. No fault will be in you this day. You look beautiful Olivia." Those present comment one after the other.
Olivia grabs Rachel's hand and takes her to the side. "Rachel I am happy you are my kahala. Because of you I have able to fully participate in the all the special rituals leading to this day. Your love and guidance have helped me face the future without fear but with great anticipation. You never forced me into anything. You let me find my own path and I am truly thankful." They held each other tight and cried tears of joy.
Moments later Mellie enters Olivia's tent. "It is time," she announces. She hugs Olivia, then leaves to take her position in the procession. Rachel covers Olivia's face with a red shoulder length veil trimmed in gold. As Olivia steps out of the tent, she is greeted by the cortege assembled along the procession route. Olivia's retinue is also flanked by torchbearers on both sides. Mellie and Rachel lead the procession, followed by the bridesmaids and Olivia. The tribe showers Olivia with flower petals and rice as she makes her way to the pavilion.
The Ceremony
Ten minutes later Olivia's procession arrives. Rachel walks to the pavilion entrance. She bows to Cyrus then returns to the procession. Cyrus instructions the first two groomsmen to raise the curtain of separation. He taps the wedding hajar again with his staff. Three more bellowing chords ring out from the long horn. The bridesmaids shout, "the bride arrives, the bride arrives, the bride arrives. Olivia's procession takes their place on the right in front of the pavilion.
Fitz grins and his heart leaps upon hearing the bridesmaid's declaration. Rachel and Mellie enter the pavilion together and sit at the first guest table facing the altar. Normally Rachel would assume a deferential position behind Mellie but because she is Olivia's surrogate parent for the wedding proceedings, she will enjoy an elevated status this evening even if it is only for a few hours.
Olivia enters the pavilion next and sits on the empty chair on the other side of the curtain of separation. Her bridesmaids walk in after her and stand parallel to the groomsmen.
Fitz whispers through gritted teeth;"I love you habibiti. Our time of separation is almost over." Olivia whispers back, "yes my love, our wait will so end."
The pavilion draws silent. All eyes focus attention front and center. Cyrus says the first prayer then sprinkles esphand seeds and frankincense into the scorching altar brazier. The fragrant bakūr (incense) mixture immediately starts smoke and burn. The wafting aromatic smoke ascends above the altar filling the pavilion air with a sweet honey-woody-lemon scent. The smoke offering will prevent the evil eye from attacking the marriage and will purify the hearts of the two lovers.
Cyrus calls forward the attendants. The two attendants bow at the altar and pick up a long piece of cotton cloth. The attendants wrap the cloth around Fitz and Olivia enclosing them in a circle but being careful not to raise the curtain. The ends of the cloth are tied together in a knot.
"Fitz and Olivia, this cloth encircling you is the symbol of your unity as a couple. This is your marriage knot. Your decision to join your lives is momentous and not to be taken lightly." Cyrus raises his hands above his head, extending them towards Fitz and Olivia as he prays over them.
"Fitz and Olivia always be grateful for the capacity to see, feel, hear and understand. Be grateful for the incredible gift of life. Be grateful for the ties of love, which bind you together for they will give dignity, meaning and joy to all your days. This is a day of days. Rejoice and be glad and count your blessings."
Cyrus motions for the attendants to once again come forward. The initiants bow at the altar again and pull out a very long twist braided ribbon from a white canvas bag. The attendants hand Cyrus one end of the rope. Cyrus takes Olivia's right hand and places it in Fitz's right hand joining their two hands under the curtain. He fastens their hands together by wrapping the woolen multicolored twist loosely around their hands seven times. As he prays the second prayer, the attendants drape the ribbon around Fitz and Olivia seven times.
"Fitz and Olivia, the colors of this twist are symbols of the virtues god created for marriage from its' ordination. Red is for love, vitality and courage. Gold is for wealth and prosperity. Green is for life and fertility. Blue is for truth and peace. Yellow is for wisdom, joy and happiness. Black is for stability, authority and submission; and gray is maturity. These virtues are all held together by purity of the heart, which is represented by the white ribbon binding this twist."
Cyrus nods and the curtain of separation is removed. Fitz and Olivia move to wedding bench and sit next to each other.
"You who were separate are now united. This bond cannot be easily broken." Cyrus proclaims to all as he tugs on the rope.
The attendants help Fitz and Olivia kneel on the prayer rug. Cyrus places his hands on their heads.
"May God protect you and instill in you both: an enduring love for one another; a friendship based on mutual trust; hearts of compassion that comfort one another in pain and sorrow; the foresight to realize there will be days of struggle and challenge ahead as well as days of joy; the courage to speak to one another in love during times of misunderstanding and a willingness to settle all quarrels before the setting of the sun; and, the awareness to live each day with the knowledge that there is no promise of tomorrow."
An attendant comes along side Cyrus and hands him egg. Cyrus passes the egg around Fitz's head three times then throws the egg on the ground to destroy any evil spirits absorbed by the egg.
The attendants help Fitz and Olivia reclaim their seats on the wedding bench. The attendants remove the cords and ribbon shrouding the couple. Harrison steps forward to remove Fitz's shoes and Jada removes Olivia's.
Cyrus continues, "Fitzgerald idn Fitzgerald do you wish to enter into marriage with Olivia bint Eli? Fitz eagerly responds before Cyrus has a chance to finish the question.
"Yes, I wish to enter into marriage with Olivia bint Eli."
"Olivia bint Eli do you wish to accept Fitzgerald idn Fitzgerald as you husband?"
Olivia keeps her head down and says nothing. The wedding guests joyfully shout, "the bride has gone to pick flowers."
"Olivia bint Eli, for the second time I ask you, do you wish to accept Fitzgerald idn Fitzgerald as you husband?" Olivia continues to be mute and keep her head down.
The wedding guests shout, "the bride has gone to get rose water."
"Olivia bint Eli, for the third time I ask, do you wish to accept Fitzgerald idn Fitzgerald as you husband?"
Olivia raises her head and answers; yes I accept Fitzgerald idn Fitzgerald as my husband."
Fitz lifts Olivia's veil. He has no words. Her beauty and the look of love on her face fill his heart with unspeakable joy. They exchange rings. Fitz nods to Jada who removes Olivia's veil. Fitz shocks Olivia and everyone else in attendance by placing a gold diadem with a teardrop ruby on her head. Olivia begins to cry, as does Rachel and the rest of the bridesmaids. Mellie however is incensed. By placing the crown on Olivia's head, he has made her his full wife, not a concubine, not a second wife. She is equal in status to Mellie. This is a rare but not unprecedented honor. He whispers to Olivia, "I will have you no other way in my life. You will not be my wife in the shadows. You are second to none Olivia bint Eli and I…love…you." Fitz kisses the inside of both of Olivia's wrists.
Questioning murmurs ripple through the pavilion. "Did she know? Is she not a pleasing spouse?" Subtle and not so subtle glances land in Mellie's direction. Mellie forces a smile and tries to appear as though she is not caught off guard by Fitz's action. She keeps her head held high, refusing to grimace or show any negative emotion. She plans to abide her time and confront Fitz later. "I will not tolerate this insult. She will not share my title." Even though Mellie does not love Fitz, she will not stand for being made of fool of. She is determined not to allow Olivia bint Eli to erase the years she and Fitz have spent together.
Rachel can see Mellie is plotting in her mind. She knows she and the elders will need to protect Olivia from Mellie's wrath. Mellie's cohorts are few in number among the tribe but they are cunning and lack a conscience. "Mellie may be the leopard stalking Olivia as her prey but I will become the great huntress to protect my child."
The attendants bring a cup of honey over to the couple. Fitz and Olivia dip their pinkies into the honey. Fitz brings his pinky to Olivia's lips. She grasps his hand, opens her mouth and takes in Fitz's honey drenched digit. She swirls her tongue around his finger and slowly sucks off the sweet treat leaving no trace. She then takes her finger and brings to Fitz's lips. Fitz grabs her hand and slowly takes her finger into his mouth. He meticulously licks the honey from every inch of her finger. When she tries to pull her hand away, his teeth gently clamp down on her pinky forestalling her withdrawal. They both release an imperceptible moan before Fitz relinquishes his hold.
"Fitz and Olivia you are no longer separate. You are one. You are zawj and zawja. (husband and wife)
"May the Creator, the Omniscient Lord, grant you a progeny of sons and grandsons, plenty of means of provision, heartfelt friendship, bodily strength, long life, and an existence of 150 years."
"May God bless you and keep you in the Palm of His hand."
"Assalamu alaikum wa barakatuha."
"Mabrook!"
Cyrus ends the ceremony by introducing the couple formally. "Family, friends and honored guests, may I present to you Amir Fitzgerald Grant and his wife Amira Olivia.
The guests, bridal party and procession participants clap, trill and yell congratulations. Fitz draws Olivia flush against his body. They cling to each other like magnets. He kisses her softly on the lips. He presses their brows together and both exhale deep sighs of satisfication. He kisses her again but this time he kisses her with the emotional intensity of ten thousand unrequited lovers. The kiss overwhelms her senses and she almost faints. The newlyweds completely forget where they are. Cyrus and a few of the groomsmen clear their throats to bring the enamored husband and wife back from the brink. Fitz releases Olivia from his embrace but he continues to hold her hand. He has no intention of letting her go now that they are wed. He whispers in her ear, "you're not hungry are you?" Olivia giggles smiling ear to ear.
"Husband do you not wish to attend our reception? Do you have need of me to tend to your needs?"
"Absolutely."
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"Daughter what is troubling you? Eli asks his youngest.
"I don't know. I have had a strange feeling all day."
"What kind of feeling?"
"The feeling that Olivia is safe and being cared for. That wherever she is, she is not afraid or in danger."
"I too have had this feeling today. Maybe god is sending us a message of comfort."
"Maybe he is. I also feel we will see Olivia soon; that she is not far from us."
"I pray your feeling is true my daughter."
"It is father, I know it in my heart. Eli hugs his daughter.
"Goodnight my precious one."
"Goodnight father." Raheel turns away and walks to her tent.
Eli looks to the heavens, a tear falls from the corner of his eye. "Olivia I will find you're my beautiful daughter. I will find you."
/
A/N
Hajar - Stone
na'al - men's sandals
zawj and zawja -husband and wife
Removal of the sandals – When making a vow it is customary to remove one's shoes in the Middle Eastern culture.
Assalamu alaikum wa barakatuha -Peace and blessings be upon you
Mabrook - Congratulations
Oud- guitar like instrument
Taqshita- wedding ensemble
Dhoti- loincloth
Why ask Olivia three times if she accepts Fitz?- Symbolizes the fact that the husband is expected to seek or earn the wife; therefore she cannot immediately accept him.
/
Okay, this was a long chapter. Next up the wedding night. Do you think Olivia will remain inhibited because of the witnesses? How do think Mellie is going to acquire the consummation cloth?
Is Eli close to discovering Olivia's location?
Review or PM me. I love hearing your thoughts.