Chapter 7: Interlude 1

Back at Osa’s village, in her absence, Adunbi had set up an earthen barrier partway around the village, in the woods, that prevents the village from being seen from the road, while Ekina had created a gentle breeze that swirls above the trees and dissipates any smoke that rises from the village.

Now, Adunbi and Quivina are getting married, with Ekina performing the duties of priestess. As the village is gathered in a large clearing, Ekina stands on a decorative stage, welcoming everybody to a grand and glorious event.

Then Adu approaches Ekina from the left, followed by two of the village’s warriors, each man dressed in a gold and blue agbada robe and matching head cover. Adunbi stops in front of his youngest sister and kneels. Ekina consecrates Adu with anointing oil and scented smoke, then she announces Adunbi to all the witnesses. After Ekina is finished, Adunbi stands up and takes a spot two paces back and out from his sister.

From the right, Quivina approaches Ekina, followed by two unmarried young women. All dresses are gold Buba tops and blue Iro dresses with matching sash and gele head tie. Ekina consecrates Qu with anointing oils and scented smoke, then announces Quivina to all the witnesses. After Ekina is finished, Quivina stands up and takes a spot two paces back and out in the opposite direction from Adunbi, forming a triangle.

Ekina steps aside and opens the curtains behind her, revealing two large chairs and a table. Adu takes Qu by the hand, and they each sit in one of the chairs, looking at the rest of the village. Quivina’s aunt and uncle step up and ask Adunbi and Ekina a series of questions. Once they are satisfied, they return to their seats.

Ekina calls for music and dance. The four escorts pair off and begin the dancing but are soon followed by many of the villagers. As the dance is going on, tables are set up and food is brought out. The music and dancing last for nearly half an hour. Then a meal is served; the bride and groom are brought the first servings, and then everybody else gets to help themselves. The banquet lasts another half an hour, then the music starts up again. This time Adunbi and Quivina get the first dance, then they are joined by the groomsmen and the bridesmaids, then by the rest of the village.

When the festivities come to an end, Adunbi and Quivina make their way to his private hut, where they consummate their marriage. Tonight was the first night he would get to make love to his wife, and he planned to make it last. He had been waiting to take that dress off her since he first saw her at the altar. Even though the dress was beautiful, he still wanted to see it on the floor. The dress fit her perfectly; it showed off her perfect breasts beautifully. But he had an idea that what was underneath was even more spectacular.