She Goes with Her Father. 21

The wedding day arrived, everything was ready and Denar and Rampa stood under the canopy facing Sepete, Denar's father. The words of the ceremony were spoken, the tokens were exchanged and they turned to face their friends and families together. Tiny beans were placed in their pockets by the handfuleveryone there gave them some, even Boc and Sarah. The beans ran over into the dirt. It was a symbolic gesture expressing the hope for fertility and abundance.

Now the celebration could begin.

Everyone was dressed in their very best clothing. There was music being played by some of the older children and Denar's sisters were dancing with their husbands, the neighbors were dancing too. Even Denar's Aunt and Uncle were up dancing if rather tamely. The children were dancing alone and Rampa danced with his new bride. They were both so obviously happy they glowed.

Aruna took over the small children while the ceremony was taking place and she was now looking for relief from Peta. Peta was helping to prepare the sweet fruits for the evening and everyone else was busy. Ozo noticed her distress and came to her rescue. She only wanted to get a drink and a bit of food, it all smelled so good and she had not had a chance to eat all day. Her gratitude was written all over her face as she thanked him. She went quickly to take a plate to fill. Everything looked so good she tried everything and took a mug of the mint beer. She had seen this beer being made and was very curious about it she had never tasted it before. When she returned she saw Ozo, down on all fours, playing 'camel' with Boc and Sarah. Boc was laughing so hard he could hardly hold on to Sarah, they were both enjoying the game immensely and Ozo was being a gentle 'camel'.

Aruna was surprised that Ozo allowed himself to behave in such an unbecoming way to entertain the children. She smiled finding she liked him even more because of it. When the children were finished their game Ozo stood and brushed him self off red faced with the effort of the game. He went to get himself a vessel of ale and returned to sit with Aruna while she ate. She was delighted to have him return to keep her company. When the dancing stopped the children's parents came to check on them. Ozo and Aruna quickly took the opportunity to evaporate. Aruna had enough of childcare for now she had other things on her mind. Let Peta or one of the twins take over for a while, they needed to take a turn.